scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UK Medical School Widening Access Schemes: Disruption, Support and a Virtual Student Led Initiative

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Sheffield Neuroscience Society
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation.MethodsA voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N=31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check.ResultsThere were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7% (N=23) had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7% (N=11) of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20% (N=6) of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p=0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p=0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p=0.003). 100% of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. ConclusionCOVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical school widening access schemes: disruption, support and a virtual student led initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Hibatallah Altaher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation. Methods A voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N = 31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check. Results There were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7 % had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7 % of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20 % of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p = 0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p = 0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p = 0.003). 100 % of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. Conclusions COVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events, urge private and state schools to declare offered opportunities and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

The Impact of a Novel Outdoor Orientation Program on Incoming Medical Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110486
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn B. Kercheval ◽  
Alec Bernard ◽  
Hanna Berlin ◽  
Nicole Byl ◽  
Boone Marois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Outdoor Orientation Programs ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Outdoor Orientation ◽  
Outdoor Orientation Program

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.

scholarly journals Variation in Performance on Common Content Items at UK Medical Schools

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hope ◽  
David Kluth ◽  
Matthew Homer ◽  
Avril Dewar ◽  
Richard Fuller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Common Content ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Due to the diverse approaches to medical school assessment, making meaningful cross-school comparisons on knowledge is difficult. Ahead of the introduction of national licensing assessment in the UK, we evaluate schools on “common content” to compare candidates at different schools and evaluate whether they would pass under different standard setting regimes. Such information can then help develop a cross-school consensus on standard setting shared content. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study in the academic sessions 2016-17 and 2017-18. Sixty “best of five” multiple choice items were delivered each year, with five used in both years. In 2016-17 30 (of 31 eligible) medical schools undertook a mean of 52.6 items with 7,177 participants. In 2017-18 the same 30 medical schools undertook a mean of 52.8 items with 7,165 participants for a full sample of 14,342 medical students sitting common content prior to graduation. Using mean scores, we compared performance across items and carried out a “like-for-like” comparison of schools who used the same set of items then modelled the impact of different passing standards on these schools. Results Schools varied substantially on candidate total score. Schools differed in their performance with large (Cohen’s d around 1) effects. A passing standard that would see 5% of candidates at high scoring schools fail left low-scoring schools with fail rates of up to 40%, whereas a passing standard that would see 5% of candidates at low scoring schools fail would see virtually no candidates from high scoring schools fail. Conclusions Candidates at different schools exhibited significant differences in scores in two separate sittings. Performance varied by enough that standard setting approaches that produce realistic fail rates in one medical school may produce substantially different pass rates in other medical schools – despite identical content and the candidates being governed by the same regulator. Regardless of which hypothetical standards are “correct” as judged by experts, large institutional gaps in pass rates must be explored and understood by medical educators before shared standards are applied. The study results can assist cross-school groups in developing a consensus on standard setting future licensing assessment.

scholarly journals The impact of resilience on burnout syndrome in nursing teachers in high medical schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (82) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Katarina Pavić ◽  
Dragana Milutinović
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nursing Teachers

Introduction: Burnout syndrome is a condition caused by chronic stress at the workplace. Resilience is the ability to cope with the negative situations in life. Purpose: To evaluate the extent of burnout syndrome in nursing teachers at medical high schools and the effect of the level of resilience on burnout syndrome. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study interviewed 101 nursing teachers at four medical schools. Teacher Burnout Scale, The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire have been used as instruments of the study. Results: The majority of nursing teachers had moderate symptom of burnout syndrome. The average result on the burnout scale was 56.1. Statistical analyzes showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the manifestation of burnout syndrome in teachers in relation to demographic characteristics (sex, marital status, years of work experience and subjects at medical school). By analysing the results of the two scales, it has been established that there is no statistically significant association between the burnout intensity and the degree of resilience in nursing teachers. Conclusion: The results of the study showed moderate level of burnout in nursing teachers. This may help as an encouragement to develop a strategy for preventing emergence of the burnout syndrome. The results will be useful for further research of burnout syndrome in nursing teachers.

scholarly journals Technical Standards from Newly Established Medical Schools: A Review of Disability Inclusive Practices

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 238212052110727
Author(s):  
Catherine Stauffer ◽  
Ben Case ◽  
Christopher J. Moreland ◽  
Lisa M. Meeks
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
Reasonable Accommodations ◽  
Accommodation Request ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Technical standards document US medical school's nonacademic criteria necessary for admission, persistence, and graduation and communicate the school's commitment to disability inclusion and accommodation but are considered one of the largest barriers for students with disabilities. Calls for more inclusive technical standards have increased in recent years, yet the impact of this work on changing technical standards has not been measured. The establishment of 15 new US MD- and DO-granting medical schools between 2017 to 2020 offered a unique opportunity to evaluate differences in the inclusive nature of newly developed technical standards. Method We conducted a document analysis of 15 newly formed medical schools’ technical standards to determine the availability and inclusive nature of the standards as they pertain to students with sensory and mobility disabilities. Technical standards were coded for: ease of obtaining technical standards, the school's stated willingness to provide reasonable accommodations, the origin of responsibility for accommodation request and implementation, and the school's openness to intermediaries or auxiliary aids. Results Of the 15 schools, 73% of the technical standards were not easy to locate online. Few (13%) included language that support disability accommodations. Most (73%) used language that was coded as ‘restrictive’ for students with physical or sensory disabilities. Coding of the newly accredited US MD and DO medical schools suggests that newly created technical standards are more restrictive than those in previous studies. Conclusions Efforts to create more inclusive technical standards have not yet been realized. Newly formed US MD- and DO-granting medical schools may perpetuate historically restrictive technical standards that serve as barriers to applicants with disabilities. Future research should evaluate the role of medical school accrediting bodies to go beyond simply requiring technical standards to ensuring that the standards are readily available and appropriately convey the availability of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

scholarly journals 220 Choice of UK Medical School Predicts Success in The Intercollegiate Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) Examination

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ellis ◽  
D Scrimgeour ◽  
J Cleland ◽  
A Lee ◽  
P Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
Regression Modelling ◽  
Gateway Courses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background UK medical schools vary in terms of factors such as mission, specific curricula and pedagogy. As relatively little is understood about the impact of these differences at a post-graduate level, we examined the relationship between medical school and MRCS success. Method Using the UKMED database we analysed data on UK medical graduates who attempted MRCS Part A (n = 9729) and MRCS Part B (n = 4644) between 2007-2017. Univariate analysis characterised the relationship between medical school and first attempt MRCS success. Logistic regression modelling identified independent predictors of MRCS success. Results MRCS pass rates differed significantly between medical schools (P < 0.001). Trainees from standard-entry 5-year programmes were more likely to pass MRCS at first attempt compared to those from extended (Gateway) courses ((Part A (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.72 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.69-5.15]); Part B (OR 1.67 [1.02-2.76])). Non-graduates were more likely to pass Part A (OR 1.40 [1.19-1.64]) and Part B (OR 1.66 [1.24-2.24]). Russell Group graduates were more likely to pass MRCS Part A (OR 1.79 [1.56-2.05]) and Part B (OR 1.24 [1.03-1.49])). Conclusions Medical programme and medical school are associated with MRCS success. Further research is needed to tease out the relationship between individual factors, medical school and MRCS performance.

scholarly journals Widening Participation in Medicine: The Impact of Medical Student-led Conferences for Year 12 Pupils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Ryan ◽  
Charlotte Auty ◽  
Matthew Maden ◽  
Amy Leggett ◽  
Alisha Staley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Criteria For Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Individuals from deprived backgrounds are under-represented in the medical profession: confidence is a barrier to them successfully applying to medical school. Unfortunately, medical school widening participation (WP) initiatives to address this are limited by funding. Methods This study examined the impact of two student-led conferences that Year 12 pupils attended and presented at. It looked at the ability of the conferences to engage WP pupils, their impact on participant confidence, and the feasibility of them being replicated by other student-led groups. The first, Conference A, had more time and finances invested into it than the second, Conference B. The latter relied solely on university society funding, but utilised WP criteria for selection of participants. Participants identified their confidence in six areas on a ten-point scale, immediately before and after the intervention. Results A paired t-test showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in all areas of confidence for both conferences. Cohen’s d showed Conference A had larger effect sizes in five out of six areas than Conference B. Conclusion This intervention has demonstrated a significant impact on participant confidence: a key factor to improve their chance of successful admission to medical school. This impact may be enhanced by supporting participants with their presentations prior to the conference; it is feasible for this work to be replicated by other student-led groups.

scholarly journals Impact of integrating objective structured clinical examination into academic student assessment: Large-scale experience in a French medical school

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245439
Author(s):  
Alexandre Matet ◽  
Ludovic Fournel ◽  
François Gaillard ◽  
Laurence Amar ◽  
Jean-Benoit Arlet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Interpersonal Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Skills ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE) evaluate clinical reasoning, communication skills, and interpersonal behavior during medical education. In France, clinical training has long relied on bedside clinical practice in academic hospitals. The need for a simulated teaching environment has recently emerged, due to the increasing number of students admitted to medical schools, and the necessity of objectively evaluating practical skills. This study aimed at investigating the relationships between OSCE grades and current evaluation modalities. Methods Three-hundred seventy-nine 4th-year students of University-of-Paris Medical School participated to the first large-scale OSCE at this institution, consisting in three OSCE stations (OSCE#1–3). OSCE#1 and #2 focused on cardiovascular clinical skills and competence, whereas OSCE#3 focused on relational skills while providing explanations before planned cholecystectomy. We investigated correlations of OSCE grades with multiple choice (MCQ)-based written examinations and evaluations of clinical skills and behavior (during hospital traineeships); OSCE grade distribution; and the impact of integrating OSCE grades into the current evaluation in terms of student ranking. Results The competence-oriented OSCE#1 and OSCE#2 grades correlated only with MCQ grades (r = 0.19, P<0.001) or traineeship skill grades (r = 0.17, P = 0.001), respectively, and not with traineeship behavior grades (P>0.75). Conversely, the behavior-oriented OSCE#3 grades correlated with traineeship skill and behavior grades (r = 0.19, P<0.001, and r = 0.12, P = 0.032), but not with MCQ grades (P = 0.09). The dispersion of OSCE grades was wider than for MCQ examinations (P<0.001). When OSCE grades were integrated to the final fourth-year grade with an incremental 10%, 20% or 40% coefficient, an increasing proportion of the 379 students had a ranking variation by ±50 ranks (P<0.001). This ranking change mainly affected students among the mid-50% of ranking. Conclusion This large-scale French experience showed that OSCE designed to assess a combination of clinical competence and behavioral skills, increases the discriminatory capacity of current evaluations modalities in French medical schools.

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