scholarly journals Medical students’ preclinical service-learning experience and its effects on empathy in clinical training

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Sheng Yang ◽  
Pei-Chin Liu ◽  
Yung Kai Lin ◽  
Chia-Der Lin ◽  
Der-Yuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Clinical Clerkships

Abstract Background Service learning (SL) is an educational methodology presumed to help medical students be more empathetic and compassionate. We longitudinally investigated the level of empathy in medical students and how preclinical SL experience was related to their level of empathy in their clinical clerkships. Methods Our cohort comprised fifth-year medical students engaged in clerkships as part of a 7-year medical programme at one medical school in Taiwan. Surveys were conducted at the beginning of the clerkship in September 2015 (T1) to collect data on the medical students’ preclinical SL experience in curriculum-based service teams (CBSTs) and extracurricular service teams (ECSTs) and their SL self-efficacy, demographic characteristics, and empathy level. Subsequently, three follow-up surveys were conducted once every 3 months to determine the empathy level of the students during their clinical clerkships (T2–T4). Seventy students who returned the written informed consent and completed the baseline (T1) and two or more follow-up surveys (T2–T4) were included in our analysis with the response rate of 34%. In total, 247 responses across the 1-year clerkship were analysed. Descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and generalised estimating equations were employed. Results Our study revealed that changes in empathy level in the dimensions of perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in patients’ shoes in their clinical clerkships. Relative to that at T1, their empathy decreased in perspective taking and compassionate care at T2–T4 but increased in standing in patients’ shoes at T3. Additionally, our study verified the positive effect of medical students’ preclinical SL experience in CBSTs and ECSTs on empathy in terms of compassionate care and perspective taking, respectively, but not on that of standing in patients’ shoes. Conclusions Separate investigations into subconstructs of empathy, such as perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in patients’ shoes, in medical students may be necessary for exploring the various driving forces or barriers to developing empathy in medical students. Moreover, SL experience through both CBSTs and ECSTs at medical academies may have positive effects on medical students’ empathy in their clinical clerkships and should be promoted at medical schools.

Multicultural Education in the Context of Community

2018 ◽  
pp. 299-314
Author(s):  
Michael T. Ndemanu ◽  
David J. Roof
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Multicultural Education ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Belief System ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Teaching Program

Using surveys and follow-up interview data, in this chapter, the authors evaluate the influence of an immersive service learning experience from a multicultural education course for aspiring teachers. The chapter examines how required 20-hour field experience is utilized by different professors as part of a professional disposition assessment to pre-screen students for admission into the teaching program, as well as how the field experience impacts teacher candidates' belief system and cultural competency. This research examines and seeks to provide points of discussion regarding the challenges of the service-learning component and recommendations for improving the course. To improve the course delivery and the unique partnership, the multicultural education course has with a variety of community organizations received surveys from hundreds of former students. This project builds on these initial surveys with interviews.

scholarly journals Medical Students in Russia evaluate the training during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arina Ziganshina
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Knowledge Assessment ◽  
Instruction Time ◽  
Medical Undergraduates ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Self Instruction

Introduction: The aim of the study was to obtain feedback from medical students in Russia regarding online learning experience during COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: 130 040 students from 46 Medical Schools of Russia have completed an original evaluation form validated by 6 experts. Criterion and construct validity were determined in a pilot study (n = 46). The study design was based on the use of Google forms. Visual Analog Scale from 1 to 10 was used by the participants to assess the level of knowledge acquired. Results: 95.31% of the medical schools in Russia switched to online learning during the Pandemic. 39.8% of the students stated that the time to prepare for the class has doubled. For 19.9% of them it increased by one third, 26.6% - did not report on changes. 38,4% of the participants were happy with particular elements of online learning, 27.5% - like such a format, 22.9% - do not like it, and 11.2% - could not answer the question. The average scores for the knowledge assessment were 5.9 for the humanities, 6.1 for fundamental science, and 6.0 for clinical training. Discussion: Remote learning was described by the medical undergraduates in Russia as the increased self-instruction time and perception of decreased level of knowledge gained. Only particular components of the “new normal” can be considered for use beyond the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Direct and Indirect Effects of Clinical Empathy on Well-Being among Pre-Medical Students: A Structural Equation Model Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly MacArthur ◽  
Clare Stacey ◽  
Sarah Harvey ◽  
Jonathan Markle
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Clinical Empathy

Abstract Background: Empathy is a well-established facet of clinical competency that research suggests is associated with enhanced medical student well-being. Since little is known about empathy and well-being before students enter medical school—during pre-medical education—the main goal of this study is to test a conceptual model of how clinical empathy is related to two indicators of well-being, depression, and burnout among pre-medical students. The theoretical model hypothesizes that three dimensions of clinical empathy—Perspective-Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in Patients’ Shoes— will be directly and negatively related to depression, as well as indirectly through its inverse relationship with three facets of burnout, Emotional Exhaustion, Poor Academic Efficacy, and Cynicism. Methods: Using survey data from a sample of 132 pre-medical students at an American Midwestern university, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the theoretical model of the relationships between empathy, burnout, and depression among pre-medical students. We identify the direct effects of the three dimensions of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSE-S) on depression (CES-D), as well as the indirect effects of clinical empathy on depression through the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-S). Results: SEM analyses show that while none of the three dimensions of the JSE-S are directly related to depression, clinical empathy does significantly affect depression indirectly through burnout. Specifically, as predicted, we find that Perspective-Taking decreases Emotional Exhaustion, but, contrary to expectations, Compassionate Care increases it. And, the positive relationship between Compassionate Care and Emotional Exhaustion is particularly strong. In turn, Perspective-Taking and Compassionate Care are associated with depression in opposite directions and to different degrees. Conclusions: Findings suggest that clinical empathy as measured by the JSE-S produces both positive and negative effects on personal well-being. We conclude that further conceptual clarity of clinical empathy is needed to better discern how the different dimensions impact different indicators of well-being. Given that pre-medical education is a crucial time for emotional socialization, the challenge for medical education will be fostering the positive, cognitive aspects of clinical empathy while simultaneously mitigating the adverse effects of affective empathy on medical student well-being.

Multicultural Education in the Context of Community

2020 ◽  
pp. 416-432
Author(s):  
Michael T. Ndemanu ◽  
David J. Roof
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Multicultural Education ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Belief System ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Teaching Program

Using surveys and follow-up interview data, in this chapter, the authors evaluate the influence of an immersive service learning experience from a multicultural education course for aspiring teachers. The chapter examines how required 20-hour field experience is utilized by different professors as part of a professional disposition assessment to pre-screen students for admission into the teaching program, as well as how the field experience impacts teacher candidates' belief system and cultural competency. This research examines and seeks to provide points of discussion regarding the challenges of the service-learning component and recommendations for improving the course. To improve the course delivery and the unique partnership, the multicultural education course has with a variety of community organizations received surveys from hundreds of former students. This project builds on these initial surveys with interviews.

scholarly journals Understanding Student Experiences in a Near-Peer Resident Shadowing Program

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon R. Turner ◽  
Jonathan White ◽  
Cheryl Poth ◽  
W. Todd Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
First Year ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Close Relationship

Introduction. The preparation of medical students for clerkship has been criticized, both in terms of students’ ability to understand their new role as clinical trainees and in their ability to carry out that role. To begin to address this gap, this paper reports the experiences of students in a shadowing program aimed at enhancing the preparedness of medical students for clinical training. The study examined a novel program, the Resident-Medical Student Shadowing Program, in which first-year medical students at the University of Alberta shadowed a first-year resident during clinical duties over the course of eight months. Methods. A study was conducted to assess the experiences of 83 first-year medical student participants who shadowed a first-year resident intermittently for one year. Student and resident participants’ experiences were explored using semistructured interviews. Results. Students and residents experiences indicate that participation increased students’ understanding of the clinical environment and their role within it and introduced them to skills and knowledge needed to perform that role. Students reported that a close relationship with their resident enhanced their learning experience. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that a low-cost program in which first-year students shadow residents may be a useful tool for helping prepare students for clerkship.

scholarly journals The direct and indirect effects of clinical empathy on well-being among pre-medical students: a structural equation model approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Rhea MacArthur ◽  
Clare L. Stacey ◽  
Sarah Harvey ◽  
Jonathan Markle
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Clinical Empathy

Abstract Background Empathy is a well-established facet of clinical competency that research suggests is associated with enhanced medical student well-being. Since little is known about empathy and well-being before students enter medical school—during pre-medical education—the main goal of this study is to test a conceptual model of how clinical empathy is related to two indicators of well-being, depression, and burnout among pre-medical students. The theoretical model hypothesizes that three dimensions of clinical empathy—Perspective-Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in Patients’ Shoes— will be directly and negatively related to depression, as well as indirectly through its inverse relationship with three facets of burnout, Emotional Exhaustion, Poor Academic Efficacy, and Cynicism. Methods Using survey data from a sample of 132 pre-medical students at an American Midwestern university, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the theoretical model of the relationships between empathy, burnout, and depression among pre-medical students. We identify the direct effects of the three dimensions of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSE-S) on depression (CES-D), as well as the indirect effects of clinical empathy on depression through the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-S). Results SEM analyses show that while none of the three dimensions of the JSE-S are directly related to depression, clinical empathy does significantly affect depression indirectly through burnout. Specifically, as predicted, we find that Perspective-Taking decreases Emotional Exhaustion, but, contrary to expectations, Compassionate Care increases it. And, the positive relationship between Compassionate Care and Emotional Exhaustion is particularly strong. In turn, Perspective-Taking and Compassionate Care are associated with depression in opposite directions and to different degrees. Conclusions Findings suggest that clinical empathy as measured by the JSE-S produces both positive and negative effects on personal well-being. We conclude that further conceptual clarity of clinical empathy is needed to better discern how the different dimensions impact different indicators of well-being. Given that pre-medical education is a crucial time for emotional socialization, the challenge for medical education will be fostering the positive, cognitive aspects of clinical empathy while simultaneously mitigating the adverse effects of affective empathy on medical student well-being.

scholarly journals Virtual Delivery of Simulation Education to Undergraduate Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Wu ◽  
Alex Chan ◽  
Avinash Pandey ◽  
Puru Panchal ◽  
Maroof Khalid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Virtual Care ◽  
Simulation Based

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted in-person clinical training for medical students. Simulation-based teaching is a promising tool to introduce learners to the clinical environment. MacSim is a student-led simulation workshop for learners to develop clinical competencies. The objective of this study was to assess the impacts of MacSim and participants' perspectives regarding simulation-based teaching. Methods: A comprehensive simulation, representative of a virtual care scenario, was delivered to 42 pre-clerkship medical students via video conferencing. In pairs, participants obtained histories and carried out management plans for simulated patients. Participants were surveyed and interviewed. Survey data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Interview transcript data were thematically analyzed. Results: Post-simulation, participants (n=24) felt more prepared to make clinical decisions, collaborate, and communicate in a virtual setting. 92% of respondents agreed MacSim was a valuable learning experience and 96% agreed more simulation-based learning should be integrated into curricula. Emergent themes from interviews (n=12) included: 1) value of simulation fidelity, 2) value of physician feedback, and 3) effectiveness of MacSim in improving virtual clinical skills. Conclusion: Simulation-based teaching is of importance and educational value to medical students. It may play an increasingly prevalent role in education as virtual care is likely to become more prevalent.

scholarly journals “More than just a medical student”: a mixed methods exploration of a structured volunteering programme for undergraduate medical students

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Badger ◽  
Rory Morrice ◽  
Olivia Buckeldee ◽  
Natalia Cotton ◽  
Dilshani Hunukumbure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Meaningful Work ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
School Of Medicine ◽  
Regular Contact

Abstract Background As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic Imperial College School of Medicine developed a structured volunteering programme involving 398 medical students, across eight teaching hospitals. This case study aims to explore the relationship between the processes, context, participant experiences and impacts of the programme so that lessons can be learned for future emergencies and service-learning programmes. Methods Using an illuminative approach to evaluation we invited all volunteers and supervisors to complete a mixed-methods survey. This explored differences in experience across demographics and contextual factors, correlations between aspects of induction, supervision and overall experience, and reviewed the impacts of the programme. Quantitative responses were statistically analysed and qualitative reflections were thematically coded to triangulate and explain quantitative findings. Follow up interviews were carried out to check back findings and co-create conclusions. Results We received responses from 61 students and 17 supervisors. Student participants described predominantly altruistic motivations and transformational changes to their professional identity driven by feeling included, having responsibility, and engaging in authentic workplace-based learning afforded by freedom from the assessed curriculum. They reported new perspectives on their future professional role within the multidisciplinary team and the value of workplace-based learning. They reported increases in wellbeing and self-esteem related to feeling included and valued, and positively contributing to service provision at a time of need. Significantly higher overall satisfaction was associated with a personalised induction, active supervision, earlier stage of training, and male gender. Gender-related differences were not explained through our data but have been reported elsewhere and warrant further study. The duration, intensity and type of role that volunteers performed was similar across demographics and did not appear to modulate their overall experience. Conclusions Whilst acknowledging the uniqueness of emergency volunteering and the survey response rate of 15% of volunteers, we suggest the features of a successful service-learning programme include: a learner-centred induction, regular contact with engaged and appreciative supervisors, and roles where students feel valued. Programmes in similar settings may find that service learning is most impactful earlier in medical students’ training and that students with altruistic motivations and meaningful work may flourish without formal outcomes and assessments.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effectiveness of Small-Group Training in Teaching Medical Students Integral Clinical Eye Examination Skills

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. e79-e86
Author(s):  
John Y. Lee ◽  
Ryan A. Gallo ◽  
Chrisfouad R. Alabiad
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Direct Ophthalmoscopy

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive, small-group ophthalmology clinical training session by assessing medical students' self-confidence with eye examination skills and long-term retention of direct ophthalmoscopy skills. Methods The second-year medical students participated in a one-time small-group clinical training session that taught essential components of the eye examination. Students reported their confidence with each component in pre- and postsession surveys. Eight months later, direct ophthalmoscopy skills were reassessed by having students visualize the optic nerves of standardized patients and identify the matching optic nerve photograph in a multiple-choice quiz. Results Among 197 second-year medical students who participated in the training session, 172 students completed the presession survey (87.3% response rate) and 108 students completed the postsession survey (54.8% response rate). Following the training session, students reported increased self-confidence (p < 0.01) overall. A total of 107 (107/108; 99.1%) students reported that they visualized the optic nerve head, and 80 out of 85 (94.1%) students stated that they preferred the PanOptic ophthalmoscope over the traditional direct ophthalmoscope. Students reported greater self-confidence using the PanOptic ophthalmoscope (p < 0.01). In the 8-month follow-up assessment, 42 medical students (42/197; 21.3%) completed the exercise. A total of 41 (41/42; 97.6%) students stated that they saw the optic nerve with the PanOptic ophthalmoscope; 24 (24/42; 57.1%) students identified the correct optic nerve image using the PanOptic ophthalmoscope on a standardized patient; 14 (14/42; 33.3%) students stated that they saw the optic nerve with the traditional direct ophthalmoscope; and 4 (4/42; 9.1%) students from the same cohort identified the correct optic nerve image with the traditional direct ophthalmoscope on a standardized patient. Conclusion Our comprehensive, one-time eye examination skills training session seeks to prepare students to incorporate these skills in future patient care. Students' overall confidence improved in each aspect of the eye examination that was covered. A follow-up assessment on students' direct ophthalmoscopy skills suggests that the PanOptic ophthalmoscope allows for superior skills retention as compared with the traditional direct ophthalmoscope. We believe that the PanOptic ophthalmoscope should be further integrated into medical education and clinical practice.

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