Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China

Objectives Exploration of influencing factors and promotion strategies for self-directed learning (SDL) is a current research hotspot. However, there is a dearth of relevant research among medical trainees. The objective of the present study was to explore the perceptions of SDL among medical traine...

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Main Authors: Li Jiang, Zhao Yin, Jiayi Du, Xiangyu Du, Lin Shang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2025-02-01
Series:BMJ Open
Online Access:https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/2/e088688.full
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author Li Jiang
Zhao Yin
Jiayi Du
Xiangyu Du
Lin Shang
author_facet Li Jiang
Zhao Yin
Jiayi Du
Xiangyu Du
Lin Shang
author_sort Li Jiang
collection DOAJ
description Objectives Exploration of influencing factors and promotion strategies for self-directed learning (SDL) is a current research hotspot. However, there is a dearth of relevant research among medical trainees. The objective of the present study was to explore the perceptions of SDL among medical trainees, while also identifying the multidimensional factors associated with SDL and potential facilitating strategies from the perspective of medical trainees.Design This multicentre qualitative study used focus group discussions to gather insights into SDL, analysed through thematic analysis. NVivo V.12 was used for efficient data management and processing.Setting Four focus group discussions were held at three large tertiary hospitals in mainland China from December 2022 to July 2023.Participants This study used purposive sampling to recruit eligible participants from the selected hospitals, primarily through instructor recommendations. Recruitment was further supported by snowball sampling, where trainees who completed the interviews referred additional participants. Medical trainees from three major tertiary hospitals in mainland China were ultimately invited to participate in the study.Results A total of four focus group discussions were conducted involving 17 medical trainees. Thirteen themes were summarised and assigned into three categories: (1) perceptions of SDL among medical trainees, (2) multidimensional factors affecting SDL among medical trainees and (3) potential improvement strategies.Conclusion This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of medical trainees regarding SDL across various grades and hospitals in mainland China. The participants universally acknowledged the significance of SDL and expressed a strong aspiration to enhance their competence in this area. The study identified that the factors influencing SDL abilities are multifaceted, highlighting the need for tailored intervention strategies to address these challenges effectively.
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spelling doaj-art-1bf0f356d5234576ba581799b3a2bd3c2025-08-20T03:11:54ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552025-02-0115210.1136/bmjopen-2024-088688Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in ChinaLi Jiang0Zhao Yin1Jiayi Du2Xiangyu Du3Lin Shang41 Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China4 Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China2 Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China1 Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China3 Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, ChinaObjectives Exploration of influencing factors and promotion strategies for self-directed learning (SDL) is a current research hotspot. However, there is a dearth of relevant research among medical trainees. The objective of the present study was to explore the perceptions of SDL among medical trainees, while also identifying the multidimensional factors associated with SDL and potential facilitating strategies from the perspective of medical trainees.Design This multicentre qualitative study used focus group discussions to gather insights into SDL, analysed through thematic analysis. NVivo V.12 was used for efficient data management and processing.Setting Four focus group discussions were held at three large tertiary hospitals in mainland China from December 2022 to July 2023.Participants This study used purposive sampling to recruit eligible participants from the selected hospitals, primarily through instructor recommendations. Recruitment was further supported by snowball sampling, where trainees who completed the interviews referred additional participants. Medical trainees from three major tertiary hospitals in mainland China were ultimately invited to participate in the study.Results A total of four focus group discussions were conducted involving 17 medical trainees. Thirteen themes were summarised and assigned into three categories: (1) perceptions of SDL among medical trainees, (2) multidimensional factors affecting SDL among medical trainees and (3) potential improvement strategies.Conclusion This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of medical trainees regarding SDL across various grades and hospitals in mainland China. The participants universally acknowledged the significance of SDL and expressed a strong aspiration to enhance their competence in this area. The study identified that the factors influencing SDL abilities are multifaceted, highlighting the need for tailored intervention strategies to address these challenges effectively.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/2/e088688.full
spellingShingle Li Jiang
Zhao Yin
Jiayi Du
Xiangyu Du
Lin Shang
Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
BMJ Open
title Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
title_full Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
title_fullStr Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
title_full_unstemmed Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
title_short Exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self-directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees: a multicentre qualitative study in China
title_sort exploring influencing factors and facilitating strategies for self directed learning from the perspective of medical trainees a multicentre qualitative study in china
url https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/2/e088688.full
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