Clima educativo en residentes de medicina interna: un análisis a través de la escala PHEEM Educational climate among internal medicine residents: an analysis using the PHEEM scale

The educational environment (EE) in medical residency programs is a determining factor in the development of clinical competencies and professional well-being. The objective of this study was to evaluate perceptions of the EE among internal medicine residents at the “Dr. Tulio Carnevalli Salvatierra” Venezuelan Social Security Institute in Mérida, Venezuela. From a methodological standpoint, the study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional, non-experimental, field-based design. The population consisted of all first- and second-year residents (N = 18), resulting in a final sample of 13 participants (response rate: 72.2%). The “Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure” (PHEEM) questionnaire was administered; this 40-item instrument, based on the Likert scale, assesses autonomy, social support, and academic quality. The study was approved by the institutional Ethics Committee and complied with the Declaration of Helsinki. The results showed a mean total score of 104.4 out of 160 points (65.25%). According to the instrument’s interpretation criteria, this finding indicates that the educational environment is more positive than negative, with room for improvement. It is concluded that, although the hospital environment is perceived favorably, there are still aspects that need improvement and that require specific interventions to optimize the educational process. The implementation of the PHEEM reaffirmed its validity as a tool for academic management and monitoring educational quality in hospital-based training centers.