Medical students’ and junior doctors’ leadership and teamwork skills improved after involvement with Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA)

BMJ Leader ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. leader-2021-000486
Author(s):  
Cai Ying Ng ◽  
Isabel Allison ◽  
Emma Ooi ◽  
Meri Davitadze ◽  
Eka Melson ◽  
...  

BackgroundLeadership and teamwork skills are essential components of medical education. Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is an innovative simulation-based learning tool mainly delivered by medical students and junior doctors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SIMBA on leadership and teamwork skills of medical students and junior doctors during COVID-19.MethodsAll medical students and junior doctors involved in the delivery of SIMBA were invited to complete the Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ) and Teamwork Skills Questionnaire (TSQ) assessing their views pre-SIMBA and post-SIMBA involvement. The changes in scores were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Open-ended questions were reviewed in an inductive thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 33 SIMBA team members completed both questionnaires. There was improvement in all traits measured in the LTQ and TSQ, significant in 9/14 LTQ traits, and all 6 TSQ traits (p<0.05). ‘Decision making’ had the highest improvement (p<0.0001). Response to open-ended questions reported positive effects on personal development, medical professionalism, communication skills and medical/clinical knowledge.ConclusionsSIMBA is an effective model to inculcate leadership and teamwork skills among medical students and junior doctors. Prospective studies are underway to assess long-term impact.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Dawidziuk ◽  
C Ngadimin ◽  
R Kwasnicki ◽  
N Jallali

Abstract Introduction Reconstructing the Stereotype is a student-led conference organised by Imperial College Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Society providing holistic outlook on plastic surgery with lectures, tutorials, and practical workshops. The aim of this event-evaluation study was to assess the effectiveness of the conference in improving reported knowledge, skills and awareness of the specialty. Method 25 delegates (21 medical students, 4 junior doctors; mean age 23.2 years; 14 women) volunteered to complete pre- and post-intervention online questionnaires comprising 26 five-step Likert scale questions on knowledge, skills, and career in plastic surgery. Significance of comparisons was established with Wilcoxon signed-rank test using IBM SPSS V26 (p &lt; 0.05). Results Post-conference, there was a significant increase in participants’ self-ratings across all domains investigated (p-values 0.000-0.001). Understanding of the reconstructive ladder showed largest improvement in knowledge (mean±SD: 1.96±1.27 vs 3.80±1.08), performing Z-pasty in skills (1.72±1.17 vs 3.72±1.06) and portfolio development in career category (2.28±1.17 vs 4.08±1.04). Two more participants declared considering career in plastic surgery after the conference. Conclusions A two-day student-organised conference significantly improved plastic surgery knowledge and skills of medical students and junior doctors. It also provided them with a realistic idea of what a career in the specialty entails.


Author(s):  
Christian M. Hammer ◽  
Michael Scholz ◽  
Larissa Bischofsberger ◽  
Alexander Hammer ◽  
Benedikt Kleinsasser ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Panagiotis Zis ◽  
Artemios Artemiadis ◽  
Panagiotis Bargiotas ◽  
Antonios Nteveros ◽  
Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou

Objectives: The aim of this ecological study was to investigate what the impact of digital learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic was on the burnout and overall mental health (MH) of medical students. Background: During the unprecedented era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of countries worldwide adopted very strong measures. Universities closed their doors, and education continued through digital learning lectures. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to all 189 eligible candidates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health was assessed via the MH domain of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey (MBI-SS). Results: The overall response rate was 81.5%. The overall burnout prevalence did not differ significantly between the two periods (pre-COVID-19 18.1% vs. COVID-19 18.2%). However, the burnout prevalence dropped significantly in year 4 (pre-COVID-19 40.7% vs. COVID-19 16.7%, p = 0.011), whereas it increased significantly in year 6 (pre-COVID-19 27.6% vs. COVID-19 50%, p = 0.01). When looking at each MBI-SS dimension separately, we found that emotional exhaustion decreased significantly in year 4 but increased in year 6, and cynicism increased in all years. The overall MH deteriorated significantly between the two periods (pre-COVID-19 58.8 ± 21.6 vs. COVID-19 48.3 ± 23, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Digital learning in medical studies carries significant risks. Not only does the MH deteriorate, but cynicism levels also increase. Emotional exhaustion was found to increase particularly in final year students, who struggle with the lack of clinical experience just before they start working as qualified junior doctors.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 977-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khyber Maarij ◽  
Mohammed U Halim ◽  
Naeem Iqbal

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razan Nour ◽  
Kerry Jobling ◽  
Alasdair Mayer ◽  
Salma Babikir

Abstract Background Otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology are medical specialties which tend to receive less coverage in UK medical school curricula compared to larger, generalist specialties. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for medical students to learn and to cultivate an interest. There are numerous papers that report concerns about junior doctors’ ability to manage conditions within these specialties, which may jeopardise patient safety. The aim of our pilot project was to increase medical students’ interest and knowledge of ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology. In addition to describing our project, we present and discuss literature on UK undergraduate education in these specialties and its impact on preparedness of junior doctors and future career choices. Methods One hundred twelve final year medical students at Newcastle University were invited to take part in a voluntary two-part (written and clinical) exam, in which prizes could be won and all participants would receive a certificate of participation. We distributed two online surveys to the students, one administered before the exam and one afterwards. Data was collected regarding the students’ motivation for entering the prize exam and the students’ baseline interest and knowledge in these specialties before and after the prize exam. Free-text responses were collected about the students’ opinion of the project and whether participation was beneficial. Results Sixteen students participated in the exam. There was a statistically significant increase in the students’ knowledge in ENT (p < 0.000), plastic surgery (p < 0.000), ophthalmology (p < 0.028) and dermatology (p < 0.012) after participation in the exam, but not in their interest levels. ENT was the preferred specialty of our cohort. The students reported that they found participation beneficial to their learning, particularly receiving exam feedback and explanations to exam questions. Conclusions This pilot project was a useful intervention in increasing medical students’ knowledge in these specialties, but not in their levels of interest. It also demonstrates that medical students are willing to participate in voluntary initiatives (in their spare time) to gain more learning opportunities and that medical students value timely exam feedback to guide their revision.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052098418
Author(s):  
William Beedham ◽  
Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽  
Georgia R Layton ◽  
Ley Taing Chan ◽  
Adnan Darr ◽  
...  

Background: Starting work as a junior doctor can be daunting for any medical student. There are numerous aspects of the hidden curriculum which many students fail to acquire during their training. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel foundation year one (FY1) doctor preparation course focusing on certain core topics, practical tips and components of the hidden curriculum. The primary objective was to improve the confidence level and knowledge of final year medical students transitioning to FY1 doctors. Method: A 2-day, practical course titled ‘Preparation 2 Practice’ delivering hands-on, small-group and lecture-based teaching, covering core medical student undergraduate curriculum topics in medicine and surgery. The course content spanned therapeutics, documentation skills and managing acute clinical tasks encountered by FY1 doctors during an on-call shift. A pre- and post-course survey and knowledge assessment were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the course. The assessment was MCQ-based, derived from topics covered within our course. The 20-question test and a short survey were administered electronically. Results: Twenty students from a single UK medical school attended the course. 100% participation was observed in the pre- and post-course test and survey. The median post-course test result was 22 (IQR 20.25-23.75) which was higher than the median pre-course test score of 18.75 (IQR 17-21.75). A Wilcoxon sign rank test revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-course test results ( P = .0003). The self-reported confidence score of delegates on starting work as a junior doctor was also significantly higher following the course ( P = .004). Conclusion: The results show a significant improvement in perceived confidence and knowledge on core curriculum topics amongst final year medical students having attended our FY1 doctor preparation course. We conclude that there is scope for similar supplementary courses as an adjunct to the undergraduate medical curriculum.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110486
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn B. Kercheval ◽  
Alec Bernard ◽  
Hanna Berlin ◽  
Nicole Byl ◽  
Boone Marois ◽  
...  

Background: Undergraduate outdoor orientation programs facilitate students’ transition into college. Research has yet to be conducted on the few programs at medical schools, which may have unique benefits given the specific challenges of transitioning to medical school and high rates of burnout among medical students. Purpose: This mixed methods study examines the impact of one medical school's outdoor orientation program on its participants. Methodology/Approach: A survey was administered immediately following the 2018 trip ( N = 56 responses). Follow-up focus groups were conducted with a sample of the same participants ( N = 18) in 2019. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings/Conclusions: Participants felt that the program helped ease their transition into medical school, establish a support system, and hone personal development and wellness skills. Many of these effects persisted up to one year later. Implications: These findings are of particular interest to the medical and experiential education communities because many outcomes persisted for at least one year after the original trip and aligned with factors believed to protect against medical student burnout. There is opportunity for additional research as well as expansion of similar programs to other medical schools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  

Background: Clinical decision making is predominantly knowledge-based perception, interpretation under terms of uncertainty. It is unclear whether interpretational ability can be improved. We evaluated the effect of a narrated group-discussions course (NGDC) on the interpretational ability of first-year medical students. Objective: To evaluate the effect of our course on first year medical students in respect to: a) their interpretational abilities b) their attitude towards studying literature and the core subjects. Method: Using a pre-post questionnaire, of a semester-long course, among two consecutive classes, the authors evaluated the participant’s interpretational ability and depth of understanding when analyzing four complex passages. Results: Out of 235 students, 146 (62%) responded to both questionnaires. There was a significant increase in the participant’s interpretational ability (P=0.003). ninety one participants (38%) improved their level of understanding in at least one out of the four passages, and 37 participants (25%) improved in two passages. A multivariate analysis revealed that the improvement in the interpretational ability was associated with younger age (P=0.034, CI 95%=0.64-0.98, OR=0.79), positive pre-course attitude and motivation (P<0.001, CI 95%=1.43-3.05, OR=2.09), and lack of a prior literature background (P=0.064, CI 95%=0.17-1.05, OR=0.43). Conclusion: Our data suggests that NGDC may improve and refine interpretational ability. Further studies are required to establish the short- and long-term impact of this change and whether it can be translated into better clinical decision making.


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