Abstract

Background: Self-directed learning is a way of learning in which learner is the main regulator of learning and manages learning on its own according to the requirements. This concept implies that whatever a postgraduate trainee (PGT) will learn during his or her training is dependent on his self-ability to learn.

Objective: To determine the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among postgraduate trainees of multiple specialties and to examine factors affecting it.

Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which self-directed learning readiness of PGTs working at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad was investigated using a 58 item validated SDLR questionnaire.

Results: Mean SDLR score of females (213.36) was more than males (206.13). Maximum mean score of SDLR was found at age of 37(n=1) (252.00) and at 33 years (n=10) (236.40), respectively. Highest mean SDLR score was found among PGTs of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (n=28), (230.11). Mean total SDLR score initially increased from 204.65 to 218.50 from 1^st to 2^nd year but then remained static and start dropping at regular pace and became lowest at fifth year (200.36). Mean total SDLR score was highest among PGTs of poor socioeconomic background 237.33. Departments in which research activities were ongoing their postgraduate trainees showed an average SDLR score of 215.41.

Conclusion: Study concluded that self-directed learning readiness of PGTs of Gynaecology was highest with average SDLR in General Medicine and General Surgery PGTs. The SDLR was found more among PGTs with poor socioeconomic status and in departments with high ongoing research activities. However, SDLR has not shown any significant difference regarding gender and age.

Keywords: Post-graduate trainees; Self-directed learning readiness; Specialties; Research activity