Research, clinical and theoretical training among geriatric medicine residents in Italy: a nationwide survey

Objective. Recently, the Italian Ministries of University and Health implemented a standardized accreditation system for post-graduate medical schools. Therefore, assessing the satisfaction and expectations of residents in the Geriatrics academic program may help identify the major critical issues to address. We conducted a survey to evaluate residents' satisfaction with theoretical, statistical and clinical training and to investigate their research attitude. Methods. A nationwide electronic survey was developed by the Young Epidemiologists group of the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (YES) from December 2020 to February 2021 and disseminated among the Italian residents in Geriatrics attending the II-IV specialization year. The survey asked about the ongoing training activities in the theoretical, research, and clinical areas and the residents' satisfaction with them. Results. 210 eligible residents participated in the survey (47.5% from Northern, 26.9% Central, 23.6% Southern Italy). Thirty-five percent of participants attended > 10 lessons/year (more frequently in Northern Italy), and 52% took part in statistics lessons. Around one-third (32%) were satisfied with the duration and quality of the classes. Satisfaction with the educational offer was < 50% in every clinical area. Eighty percent of participants were interested in research, but only 47% participated in research activities. Conclusions. From the residents' point of view, the Italian geriatric medicine residency program may have wide improvement margins. The recent update of residency programs according to National standards might improve residents' satisfaction. Promoting education on research methodology through appropriate courses and ensuring dedicated time for research activities could increase residents' satisfaction and research quality.