The latest annual, national survey of Australia’s doctors in training reveals small but worrying signs of pressure on medical training.
Results of the 2022 Medical Board of Australia’s Medical Training Survey (MTS) are broadly consistent with previous years, with some small but statistically significant variations in year-on-year results, including an increase in trainee workload, a dip in the quality of teaching, a drop in the number of trainees who would recommend their current training position or organisation and an increase in the number of trainees considering a future outside of medicine.
More than 40,000 doctors in training were invited to participate in the survey in 2022 and 56.6% responded and the participation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees increased from 158 in 2021 to 191 in 2022.
Close to half of RACMA Candidates responded to the 2022 survey, a small increase on the previous year. Of those RACMA Candidates who responded, 59% were in metropolitan areas and 77% were training at a hospital
Once again there were positive results for our College across the areas of the:
- training program and supervision
- engagement and communication, and
- wellbeing support.
There were only a small number of responding Candidates who had sat exams and could comment on the quality and delivery of exams, and overall, the response was positive.
It was also encouraging to see positive feedback from RACMA Candidates regarding the culture and support within their workplaces.
The culture of medicine remains an issue, which confirms the critical importance of the new RACMA-led Culture of Medicine project funded through the Commonwealth Department of Health. The 2022 MTS results show 55% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees experienced and/or witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination and racism, compared with 34% of all trainees.
However, the survey revealed the source of bullying, harassment, discrimination and racism changed in 2022, with an increase in patients and or family/carers identified as the source of the incident (up from 38% in 2021 to 45% in 2022).
To view RACMA’s report, which provides a comparison with national data, CLICK HERE. Or visit https://www.medicaltrainingsurvey.gov.au/ to explore all aspects of the survey results and customise your own reports.
RACMA Candidate Response Highlights (national percentage in brackets)
- 95% said the College training program is relevant to their development (87%).
- 68% believe the College supports flexible training arrangements (62%).
- 73% considered that the College clearly communicates the requirements of their training program (73%)
- 76% reported that the College seeks their views on the training program (47%)
- 84% were represented by doctors in training on the College’s training and/or education committees (61%).
- 61% revealed the College provides access to psychological and/or mental health support services (46%).
- 58% believe there are safe mechanisms for raising training/wellbeing concerns with the College (49%).
- 88% rated the quality of their supervision as excellent/good (86%).
- 74% rated the quality of the teaching sessions as excellent/good (82%).
- 86% said their workplace supports staff wellbeing (77%).
- 76% reported that their workplace supports them to achieve a good work/life balance in practice (65%).