Barriers and facilitating factors to pass national license examinations : suggestions from international medical graduates

Abstract

Only 10.7% of Thai international medical graduates pass national license examinations every year. Knowing the barriers and facilitating factors of national license examinations may improve the passing rate, leading to more certified doctors to serve Thai healthcare system. This study was to understand the international medical graduates' perspectives of barriers and facilitating factors affecting the passing rate of national license examinations. Fifteen participants having experience in the internship program at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital were selected through purposive sampling in this phenomenology, qualitative study. Eight participants were divided into 2 focus groups, while 7 participants were individually interviewed using semi-structure questions. The audio data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with thematic analysis. The results showed that barriers of the international curriculum comprised teaching methods, less attention from teacher, difficulties in foreign language, different scope of the study and national license examination, and lack of facilities. Individual barriers included less perceived barriers, low capacity to change, and less preparedness for practice. Differences of examination methods, disasters and pollution, parenting supports were also identified. Facilitating factors were non-cultural related factors in the individual level. In conclusion, barriers to national license examinations were non-cultural related factors in both training and individual levels, whilst, facilitating factors were non-cultural related factors in the individual level. All participants suggested early preparation for national license examinations and strongly recommended domestic electives in early clinical year.