Characteristics of University Hospitals Implementing the Postgraduate Clinical Training "Tasukigake Method" and Their Correlation with Program Popularity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: In 2004, the postgraduate clinical training system in Japan was radically revised by introducing a super-rotation matching system. Although postgraduate clinical training became a mandatory 2 years of training, the program and operation were left to each facility's discretion, leading to training-program popularity differences. The Japanese Tasukigake method provides clinical training in which "hospitals where junior residents work" and "external hospitals/clinics that provide clinical training" conduct clinical training alternately on a 1-year basis. The study aimed to identify the characteristics of university hospitals that implement the Tasukigake method to help educators and medical institutions create more attractive and effective programs. Methods: All 81 university main hospitals were included in this cross-sectional study. The information regarding Tasukigake method implementation was collected from the facilities' websites. The training program's matching rate (popularity) was calculated from the Japan Residency Matching Program's interim report data (academic 2020). We used multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the association between Tasukigake method implementation, program popularity, and university hospital characteristics. Results: The Tasukigake method was implemented by 55 (67.9%) university hospitals, significantly more by public university hospitals (44/55, 80%) than by private (11/55, 20%) ( Conclusion: The results show no association between Tasukigake method and program popularity; also, highly specialized university hospitals in cities with fewer branch hospitals were more likely to implement the Tasukigake method.