attitude amongst resident doctors in the specialty of anaesthesiology towards conferences and workshops

The foundations of quality patient care are laid during training, but awareness of recent developments in medical knowledge is prerequisite to maintain a high level of quality care. Conferences and workshops are held as a part of continuing medical education (CME) under various banners in all specialties worldwide. This audit was carried out among the residents (JR and SR) working in various hospitals in Northern India. A questionnaire (14 questions) was designed to assess the attitude of resident doctors in the specialty of anaesthesiology towards conferences and workshops. Two hundred and fifty residents (110 senior and 150 junior residents) partici-pated in the audit and the information thus collected was analyzed. The audit revealed that all the residents were attending CME programmes whenever possible and major rea-sons cited for attending were to update knowledge (52% SRs and 63% PGs), make a presentation, to meet friends and socialize. The duration of workshop found to be most optimum was 2-3 days (70% residents). Almost all the residents (98% SRs and 96% PGs) were in favor of making a presentation during a conference in order to increase their confidence level, acquire knowledge and improve the resume. The majority preferred an oral presentation (87% SRs and 84% PGs) to a poster presentation as it enhanced their confidence and it was easier to prepare and carry out the material. The audit revealed that most of the residents suggested the making of some form of presentation compulsory during conferences every year (42% SRs and 29% PGs), with financial aid (20% SRs and 25% PGs) and special leaves (25% SRs and 28% PGs) to encourage active participation among the residents.