scholarly journals Expectancy-Value-Cost motivational theory to explore final year medical students’ research intentions and past research experience: a multicentre cross-sectional questionnaire study

Author(s):  
Louis Van Maele ◽  
Christelle Devos ◽  
Séverine Guisset ◽  
Sophie Leconte ◽  
Jean Macq

ABSTRACTObjectivesConducting research during medical school is a commonly described way to strengthen the physician-scientists workforce. The aim of this study is to compare the strength of association of Expectancy, Value and Cost regarding a research activity with future research intentions, and to explore differences between students with or without research experience during medical school.Design, setting and participantsAn online questionnaire was sent to final-year medical students – who had already chosen their specialty – in three French-speaking Belgian universities with non-mandatory research programmes. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis were conducted.Main measuresResearch intention (outcome measure) was assessed using a 3-item scale. The motivational beliefs were assessed using a 10-item scale adapted from a validated scale based on the Expectancy-Value- Cost theory. Responses were recorded on a 6-point Likert scale.ResultsParticipation rate was 28% (n=237). EFA revealed 4 factors with high internal consistency. 21.5% of students had positive research intentions (score 5 or above). Our model explained 82.8% of research intention variance (p < 0.001), of which three motivational beliefs had statistically significant coefficients: i) Value given to a research activity (β = 0.72, p < 0.001); ii) perceived Cost of a research activity (β = -0.11, p < 0.01); iii) Expectancy of success (β = 0.10, p < 0.05). Students with a positive research experience or students without research experience but who had strongly considered achieving one were 11.5 times more likely (95% CI, 5.0 – 26.2) to have positive research intentions at the end of medical school than other students.ConclusionsValue given to a research activity is the key factor regarding students’ motivation to undertake research. Our study confirms the positive relationship between non-mandatory research and future research intentions, although some students without a research experience showed high motivation as well.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Schoenefeld ◽  
Bernhard Marschall ◽  
Berit Paul ◽  
Helmut Ahrens ◽  
Janina Sensmeier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Assessment of the presence and characteristics of sexual harassment in academic medicine is a global issue. Only limited international data are available so far. Methods: Aim: To assess the extent of sexual harassment and identify the perpetrators in the student population of the medical school of Münster, Germany. A survey was undertaken, using the Medical Women’s International Association sexual harassment questionnaire translated into German. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent as a link to all medical undergraduates at Münster Medical School via a mailing list between 1 October and 30 November 2018. Identifying or potentially identifying data were not collected. Data were analysed by descriptive statistical methods such as categorical variables. Baseline characteristics, e.g. answers by male or female medical students, were correlated with their individual sexual harassment experiences and perpetrator groups by means of univariate analysis. Results: A total of 2162 medical students were asked to participate, with 623 (28.8%) completing the survey. Sexual harassment is a significant issue among medical students at Münster Medical School with over half (58.9%) of all undergraduates being exposed to sexually harassing behaviour. In total, 31.8% of all participants reported having experienced unwanted physical sexual contact such as unwanted physical touching, with 87.6% of the victims being female. Overall, 41.3% personally experienced verbal sexual harassment of which 87.4% were female. Furthermore, 8.5% of undergraduates faced forced sexual contact such as oral, anal or vaginal penetration, intercourse and rape, with all victims being female. Perpetrators in these cases were mostly male medical superiors (7.0%) and male patients (18.3%). In general, most perpetrators were patients, followed by medical superiors and educators, and less frequently by colleagues. Conclusions: Sexual harassment in medical education and the medical workplace is a significant problem in a German medical school. Most students experiencing sexual harassment are females. Female students also experience the more serious forms of sexual harassment more often.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Schoenefeld ◽  
Bernhard Marschall ◽  
Berit Paul ◽  
Helmut Ahrens ◽  
Janina Sensmeier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Assessment of the presence and the characteristics of sexual harassment in academic medicine is a global issue. Only limited international data are available so far.Methods: Aim: To assess the extent of sexual harassment and to identify the perpetrators in the student population of the medical school of Münster, Germany.A survey was undertaken, using the Medical Womens’ International Association sexual harassment questionnaire translated into German. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent as a link to all medical undergraduates at Münster Medical School via a mailing list between 1st October and the 30th November 2018. Identifying and potentially identifying data was not collected.Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods such as categorical variables. Baseline characteristics, e.g. answers by male or female medical students, were correlated with their individual sexual harassing experiences and perpetrator groups by means of univariate analysis. Results: A total of 2162 medical students were asked to participate: 623 (28.8%) completed the survey. Sexual harassment is a significant issue among medical students at Münster, over half (58.9%) of all undergraduates were exposed to sexually harassing behavior: 31.8 % of all participants reported to have experienced unwanted physical sexual contact such as e.g. unwanted physical touch; 87.6% of the victims were female. 41.3 % of all students did personally experience verbal sexual harassment of which 87.4 % were female. 8.5% of all undergraduates faced forced sexual contact e.g. such as oral, anal or vaginal penetration, intercourse and rape; all victims were female. Perpetrators in these cases were mostly male medical superiors (7.0%) and male patients (18.3%). In general, the majority of perpetrators were patients, followed by medical superiors and educators, and less frequently by colleagues.Conclusions: Sexual harassment in medical education and the medical working place are a significant problem in a German medical school. The majority of students experiencing sexual harassment are females. Female students also experience the more serious forms of sexual harassment more often.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temidayo Osunronbi ◽  
William Adeboye ◽  
David Faluyi ◽  
Jasmine Sofela ◽  
Agbolahan Sofela

Abstract Introduction: There has been a decline in the number of academic clinicians in the UK. Also, there is sex and ethnic inequalities in research opportunities amongst UK clinicians. The decision to get involved in research as a clinician is usually made as a medical student. Hence, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting UK medical students’ involvement in research, and to understand their perceptions of research, motivation for and the barriers to their engagement in research.Methods: This study is a prospective, observational, national, multi-centre study that will utilise an online questionnaire using the QualtricsTM survey tool. Medical students that are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a UK medical school in the 2020/21 academic year are eligible to partake in this study. The following data will be collected: demographic, research experience, research perception, research self-efficacy, motivation, and barriers to engaging in research. The outcome measures are: number of research projects, publications, presentations, and successful grant applications.Conclusion: This study will produce evidence-based reports that will guide UK medical schools and relevant organisations in developing resources and programmes that will increase the number of future academic clinicians and resolve inequalities in research opportunities and engagement amongst future clinicians.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaidyn Muhandiramge ◽  
Tony Vu ◽  
Megan J. Wallace ◽  
Eva Segelov

Abstract Background Research engagement plays an integral role in developing clinicians that practice effective, evidence-based medicine. Research participation by clinicians, however, is declining. Given the link between research during medical school and future research output, promotion of medical student research is one avenue by which this shortage can be addressed. Student research attitudes and participation in Australia are not well-documented in the literature. This study therefore aims to investigate research practices, motivators, and barriers amongst Australian medical students in order to determine whether there is a need for further integration of research within Australian medical school curriculums. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to explore research experience and attitudes, as well as the enablers and barriers to research amongst students enrolled in all years of the five-year medical course at Monash University. A questionnaire was created by combining questions from several surveys on medical student research and comprised Likert scales, multiple choice options and free-text responses assessing research experience, attitudes, motivators, and barriers. Results Seven hundred and four respondents (69.4% female; survey response rate 36.7%) reported variable research experience and interest. Less than half of the cohort (n = 296; 44.9%) had contributed to a research project. Increasing employability for specialty training programs was the primary motivating factor (n = 345; 51.9%) for pursuing research, with only 20.5% (n = 136) citing an interest in academia as a motivator. Time constraints (n = 460; 65.3%) and uncertainty surrounding how to find research opportunities (n = 449; 63.8%) were the most common barriers to research. Conclusions Medical students at Monash University are interested in but have limited experience with research. Students are, however, primarily motivated by the prospect of increasing employability for specialist training; medical schools should therefore focus on encouraging intrinsic motivation for pursuing research. Greater integration of research education and opportunities within medical school curricula may also be required to provide students with the skills necessary to both pursue research and practice evidence-based medicine.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Felice Osimo ◽  
Lydia Mariner ◽  
Paul Wilkinson

Purpose In previous research, personality and exposure to psychiatry were independently shown to shape medical students attitudes towards psychiatry (ATP). This paper aims to investigate the role of psychiatry placements and personality types on medical student attitudes towards psychiatry (ATP). Design/methodology/approach All medical students from four consecutive years at Cambridge University, UK were invited to take part in an online questionnaire including the ATP-30 Questionnaire and The Big Five Factor personality Inventory (BFI). Findings Students who had completed their psychiatry placement had more positive ATP than students who had not (t = −3.24, adjusted p = 0.004). However, this was not reflected in an increased self-reported likelihood of choosing psychiatry as a career (t = 0.28, adjusted p = 0.78). Higher agreeable personality scores were associated with both a higher willingness to take up psychiatry as a career (linear model estimate 0.06; p = 0.03), and more positive ATP (linear model estimate 0.14; p < 0.0001). Originality/value This work seems to confirm that exposure to psychiatry improves attitudes towards psychiatry. Agreeable personality traits were also associated with a higher willingness to take up psychiatry postgraduate training. These findings might help shape future campaigns to improve the profile of psychiatry training. Future research on this topic is needed to address whether improved ATP among medical students can longitudinally improve recruitment into post-graduate psychiatry training.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temidayo Osunronbi ◽  
William Adeboye ◽  
David Faluyi ◽  
Jasmine George ◽  
Agbolahan Sofela

Abstract Introduction: There has been a decline in the number of academic clinicians in the UK. Also, there are gender and ethnic inequalities in research opportunities amongst UK clinicians. The decision to get involved in research as a clinician is usually made as a medical student. Hence, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting UK medical students’ involvement in research, and to understand their perceptions of research, motivation for and the barriers to their engagement in research. Methods: This study is a prospective, observational, national, multi-centre study that will utilise an online questionnaire using the QualtricsTM survey tool. Medical students that are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a UK medical school in the 2020/21 academic year are eligible to partake in this study. The following data will be collected: demographic, research experience, research perception, research self-efficacy, motivation, and barriers to engaging in research. The outcome measures are: number of research projects, publications, presentations, and successful grant applications.Conclusion: This study will produce evidence-based reports that will guide UK medical schools and relevant organisations in developing resources and programmes that will increase the number of future academic clinicians and resolve inequalities in research opportunities and engagement amongst future clinicians.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Schoenefeld ◽  
Bernhard Marschall ◽  
Berit Paul ◽  
Helmut Ahrens ◽  
Janina Sensmeier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Assessment of the presence and characteristics of sexual harassment in academic medicine is of global and increasing issue. Only limited data on the German situation are available so far.Methods: To assess the extent of sexual harassment and to identify persons involved an online survey was conducted in the student population of the medical school of Münster, Germany. A questionnaire was sent digitally via lock box after translation into German. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods such as categorical variables. Baseline characteristics, e.g. answers by male or female medical students, were correlated with their individual experiences and perpetrator groups by means of univariate analysis. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all medical undergraduates at Münster Medical School between 1st October and the 30th November 2018.Results: A total of 2162 medical students were asked to participate: 623 (28.8%) completed the survey. Sexual harassment is a significant issue among medical students at Münster. About 87.6% of those being victim of some form of verbal and /or physical assault were female; the majority by patients, followed by superiors and less frequently by colleagues. All students who had experiences with forced physical contact were females (100%). 58.9% of undergraduates were exposed to sexually harassing behaviour. 41.3% of those suffered from verbal and 31.8% from physical assaults, respectively. 8.5% of them faced forced physical contact. Perpetrators were mostly male superiors and male patients.Conclusions: Sexual harassment within medical educational field and working place exist in a huge German medical school and interventions are actually established by an independent voluntary task force to increase communication, reflection and instill prevention measure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Bunmi S Malau-Aduli ◽  
Robin A Ray ◽  
Teresa O’Connor ◽  
Yolanda van der Kruk ◽  
Faith O Alele ◽  
...  

Some students struggle through medical school and do not have the confidence to seek help. This pilot study sought to explore the challenges and needs of medical students experiencing academic difficulty. Semi-structured interviews and online surveys were used to collect data from an academic advisor and thirteen medical students who had experienced academic difficulty. Unexpected academic failure and the loss of self-efficacy contributed to students hiding their academic difficulty and avoiding available support systems. Despite the sampling limitations, the findings of this pilot study have value in giving direction to future research. Programs that will change the current attitudes to academic difficulty, normalising access to support and encouraging early intervention, are needed to build the capacity for excellence among these students.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Schoenefeld ◽  
Bernhard Marschall ◽  
Berit Paul ◽  
Helmut Ahrens ◽  
Janina Sensmeier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Assessment of the presence and the characteristics of sexual harassment in academic medicine is a global issue. Only limited international data are available so far.Methods: Aim: To assess the extent of sexual harassment and to identify the perpetrators in the student population of the medical school of Münster, Germany.A survey was undertaken, using the Medical Womens’ International Association sexual harassment questionnaire translated into German. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent as a link to all medical undergraduates at Münster Medical School via a mailing list between 1st October and the 30th November 2018. Identifying and potentially identifying data was not collected.Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods such as categorical variables. Baseline characteristics, e.g. answers by male or female medical students, were correlated with their individual sexual harassing experiences and perpetrator groups by means of univariate analysis. Results: A total of 2162 medical students were asked to participate: 623 (28.8%) completed the survey. Sexual harassment is a significant issue among medical students at Münster, with 87.6% of female students experiencing some verbal and /or physical sexual harassment. The majority of perpetrators were patients, followed by medical superiors and educators, and less frequently by colleagues. All students who had experiences with forced sexual contact were females. Over half (58.9%) of all undergraduates were exposed to sexually harassing behaviour: 41.3% of those suffered from verbal harassment and 31.8% from unwanted physical sexual contact such as e.g. unwanted physical touch, while 8.5% of faced forced sexual contact e.g. such as oral, anal or vaginal penetration, intercourse and rape. Perpetrators were mostly male medical superiors (7.0%) and male patients (18.3%).Conclusions: Sexual harassment in medical education and the medical working place are a significant problem in a German medical school. The majority of students experiencing sexual harassment are females. Female students also experience the more serious forms of sexual harassment more often.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temidayo Osunronbi ◽  
William Adeboye ◽  
David Faluyi ◽  
Jasmine George ◽  
Agbolahan Sofela

Abstract Introduction: There has been a decline in the number of academic clinicians in the UK. Also, there are gender and ethnic inequalities in research opportunities amongst UK clinicians. The decision to get involved in research as a clinician is usually made as a medical student. Hence, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting UK medical students’ involvement in research, and to understand their perceptions of research, motivation for and the barriers to their engagement in research.Methods: This study is a prospective, observational, national, multi-centre study that will utilise an online questionnaire using the QualtricsTM survey tool. Medical students that are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a UK medical school in the 2020/21 academic year are eligible to partake in this study. The following data will be collected: demographic, research experience, research perception, research self-efficacy, motivation, and barriers to engaging in research. The outcome measures are: number of research projects, publications, presentations, and successful grant applications.Conclusion: This study will produce evidence-based reports that will guide UK medical schools and relevant organisations in developing resources and programmes that will increase the number of future academic clinicians and resolve inequalities in research opportunities and engagement amongst future clinicians.


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