Comparison of medical postgraduate training between public and private settings of Peshawar

Abstract

Background: The quality of postgraduate medical training varies greatly according to whether it is obtained in Pakistan's public or private healthcare sector. This is particularly true with regards to Peshawar, Pakistan, where medical facility infrastructure is characterized by a combination of public and private hospitals.

Objective: To compare the postgraduate training environment in Peshawar's public and private tertiary sectors using the Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM).

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2023 to April 2023. The survey included 115 trainees specializing in medicine and allied specialties or surgery and allied specialties in two tertiary care units located in Peshawar. The survey involved trainees completing a comprehensive questionnaire addressing various facets, including employment contracts and training structures.

Results: The study showed that 36.5% of trainees in private hospitals had employment contracts, surpassing the 26.0% observed in public hospitals. Public hospitals afforded more opportunities for hands-on training, whereas private hospitals emphasized formalized training and provided superior working conditions.

Conclusion: Despite the implementation of similar induction programs in both settings, this study underscores the marked disparities in educational environments between public and private hospitals.

Keywords: Education, Medical, Graduate; Education, Professional; Education, Medical,Continuing; Hospitals, Public; Hospitals, Private; Hospitals, Teaching.