scholarly journals Workshops in Healing for Senior Medical Students: A 5 Year Experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Henry Kearsley ◽  
Elizabeth Lobb
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Repeated Reading ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Art Music ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Music And Literature ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
The University

Objectives:  To provide a 5-year (2008-2012) overview and appraisal of a novel course for senior undergraduate medical students (Workshops in Healing) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia within the context of a traditional 6-year curriculum.  In these innovative workshops, 8-12 self-selected students per year participate over 6 hours in two sessions, several days apart.  The sessions use artwork and other evocative images, poetry, music, statues and classic/contemporary literature to illustrate points of discussion relating to suffering, healing and the doctor-patient relationship. Methods: A written open-ended reflection was requested from 48 students in the final year of their 6-year medical course within a few weeks of the second workshop.  The study employed an emergent qualitative design.  Open coding involved repeated reading of the sections of the student’s feedback and a line-by-line analysis of this data.  Selective coding was then used to link data together and develop the themes.Results:  Students identified the following benefits from the workshops:  1)  the opportunity to re-affirm their commitment to their chosen career path;  2)  the value of listening to other students share their stories;  3)  the importance of the timing of the Workshops to occur after exams;  4)  the use of various mediums such as art,  music and literature to present concepts of suffering and healing;  and 5) the creation of a safe and confidential space.Conclusions:  Students reported that the workshops gave them a renewed sense of drive and enthusiasm for their chosen career.  They highlighted the importance of addressing an aspect of Medicine (healing) not covered in the traditional medical curriculum.  For many students the workshops provided a broader understanding of the meaning of concepts such as suffering and healing, and helped them to rediscover a deeper meaning to Medicine, and their roles as healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals Non-medical use of methylphenidate among medical students of the University of the Free State

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshini Jain ◽  
Ch Chiech Chang ◽  
Mpho Koto ◽  
Alden Geldenhuys ◽  
Richard Nichol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free State ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Faced with demanding training programmes, medical students may be more prone to use methylphenidate for non-medical purposes in order to improve concentration, alertness and academic performance.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the non-medical use of methylphenidate and knowledge of this drug among undergraduate medical students of the University of the Free State.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross-sectional study. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed during lectures to all students in the five year groups of the undergraduate medical programme.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of the 643 undergraduate medical students, 541 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 84.1%). Approximately 11.0% of surveyed students were using methylphenidate at the time of the study, of which the majority (67.9%) used it for academic purposes and 70.6% received it from a medical health professional. Less than a third of users had been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Methylphenidate users’ median knowledge was greater than non-users, and methylphenidate knowledge increased from first-year and second-year students to third-year to fifth-year students. Median knowledge scores per year group ranged from 52.0% to 60.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Methylphenidate is mainly used for non-medical purposes by medical students. Students generally have a low level of knowledge on methylphenidate. Specific information on methylphenidate should be included in lectures on stress management and study methods during the course of the medical curriculum.</p>

scholarly journals Undergraduate medical students’ interest in specialising in Family Medicine at the University of the Free State, 2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
D T Hagemeister ◽  
A Pal ◽  
U Kristen ◽  
N Mokgosana ◽  
G Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free State ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

Background: There is a large demand for Family Medicine specialists, yet not enough medical students specialise in this field. This study investigated the interest of undergraduate medical students at the University of the Free State in pursuing a career in Family Medicine, factors associated with this interest, and their opinion of Family Medicine as a specialty. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, anonymous, self-reporting questionnaires, available in English and Afrikaans, were distributed to first- to fifth-year undergraduates. Data were collected on demographic variables and interest in Family Medicine and other disciplines. The students had to rate the likelihood of them selecting 15 different specialties as a future career according to a five-point Likert scale. Opinions concerning Family Medicine were tested with a yes/no response as to the agreement to five statements. Results: Fifth-year students were excluded due to poor response rate (13.6%). The response rate for the first- to fourth-year groups was 86.4%. Interest in Family Medicine decreased from first to third year (22.4, 21.2 and 14.0%, respectively), but increased again in the fourth year (23.3%). Females and speakers of African languages showed the most interest in this field. Medical students, especially first years, generally had poor knowledge regarding Family Medicine. Conclusion: Family Medicine is not a preferred specialty in any of the four year groups, and students had insufficient knowledge of the field. Family Medicine should be introduced earlier into the medical curriculum. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.1317977

scholarly journals Non-medical use of methylphenidate among medical students of the University of the Free State

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshini Jain ◽  
Ch Chiech Chang ◽  
Mpho Koto ◽  
Alden Geldenhuys ◽  
Richard Nichol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University

Background: Faced with demanding training programmes, medical students may be more prone to use methylphenidate for non-medical purposes in order to improve concentration, alertness and academic performance.Aim: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the non-medical use of methylphenidate and knowledge of this drug among undergraduate medical students of the University of the Free State.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed during lectures to all students in the five year groups of the undergraduate medical programme.Results: Of the 643 undergraduate medical students, 541 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 84.1%). Approximately 11.0% of surveyed students were using methylphenidate at the time of the study, of which the majority (67.9%) used it for academic purposes and 70.6% received it from a medical health professional. Less than a third of users had been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Methylphenidate users’ median knowledge was greater than non-users, and methylphenidate knowledge increased from first-year and second-year students to third-year to fifth-year students. Median knowledge scores per year group ranged from 52.0% to 60.0%.Conclusion: Methylphenidate is mainly used for non-medical purposes by medical students. Students generally have a low level of knowledge on methylphenidate. Specific information on methylphenidate should be included in lectures on stress management and study methods during the course of the medical curriculum.

scholarly journals Usability testing of an e-learning resource designed to improve medical students’ physical activity prescription skills: a qualitative think-aloud study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e042983
Author(s):  
Helen Carter-Roberts ◽  
Richard Antbring ◽  
Manuela Angioi ◽  
Gemma Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Think Aloud ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Learning Resource ◽  
Physical Activity Counselling ◽  
Exercise Medicine ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
E Learning

ObjectiveAn e-learning resource (MEdic GAming, MEGA) was developed based on the contents of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine exercise prescription booklet. This study aimed to (i) explore medical students’ perspectives of physical activity promotion and e-learning and (ii) investigate medical students’ response to the design, content and usability of the MEGA e-learning resource.DesignQualitative think-aloud interview study.SettingA London medical school.Participants19 undergraduate medical students were interviewed using the think-aloud method while using the e-learning resource concurrently.ResultsIn general, medical students felt current education on physical activity is inadequate and held a strong desire for more teaching on exercise medicine. Students believed the MEGA e-learning resource addressed a gap in their knowledge on physical activity but noted e-learning should not replace face-to-face teaching and suggested physical activity education would be best delivered through a blended learning approach. Students felt such an approach would allow better opportunity to practice physical activity counselling skills with patients while on clinical placement. Students’ motivation to engage with the MEGA e-learning resource was positively impacted by aesthetically appealing design and interactive gamification elements such as self-assessment quizzes and visual progress tracking.ConclusionMedical students value the role of physical activity in health but are disappointed by the lack of teaching within the current medical curriculum. E-learning resources, such as MEGA, which contain interactive features are a viable means to integrate physical activity into the undergraduate curriculum but should be supplemented by the opportunity to practice physical activity counselling in-person.

scholarly journals Creative Legal Study among Undergraduate Medical Students: Sharing Technique from Mae Fah Luang University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Jumlongkul
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Competency Assessment ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Legal Study ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Medical Professions ◽  
Health Laws

In Thailand, the topic of medical ethics and laws related to medical professions has been one part of the national competency assessment criteria. The objective of this article was to design legal issues into the medical curriculum and to share experiences of creative legal study. Legal contents were inserted into 10 subjects and taught for year 1 to year 6 medical students. Students were divided into multi-groups or received individual tasks and then, shared their knowledge and idea for solving legal problems. The results showed they could interpret and create novel ideas for legal and ethical reconstruction, including the topic of the principle of laws, criminal laws, civil and commercial laws, public health laws, organ donation/transplantation, end of life decisions, and legal liability for the medical profession. Finally, the creative legal study can be used as a novel approach to support creativity among medical students.

scholarly journals PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS REGARDING ACADEMIC FAILURE OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
Gul Muhammad Shaikh ◽  
Rabia Khan ◽  
Rehan Khan ◽  
Rahila Yasmeen
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Academic Failure ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Psychological Disturbance ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Medical Institutions ◽  
University College ◽  
Open Coding

Background: Academic failure adds extra pressure to emotional intelligence of students and this may lead to psychological disturbance. The objective of this study was to explore perception of students and teachers regarding academic failure of undergraduate medical students in Lahore, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at Department of Medical Education, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, Pakistan from January 2018 to October 2018. Sample included nine MBBS students who took their last examination in year 2017 and five teachers, all from University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore. Sampling was purposive. These nine students included five who graduated without failure and four who experienced two/more failures. Medical students were interviewed via two focus groups, whereas face to face semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were done for teachers. Interview questionnaires were designed on basis of attribution theory. The fundamental question of study was “What are the reasons behind undergraduate medical students’ failure in annual examination?” with five more questions. The interviews were transcribed in English and sent back to participants for member checking. The interviews were organized in ATLAS.ti software for thematic analysis based on Weiner’s Attribution Theory. Open coding was done after familiarization of data, leading to formation of categories, sub-themes and themes related to our conceptual framework. Results: 160 open codes were condensed to 35 axial codes leading to two themes. Main reasons for students’ failure in examinations perceived by both students and teachers were lack of ability, lack of effort and lack of motivation. Additionally, the students attributed bad luck to academic failure. Other factors included were teachers’ related factors, curriculum related factors and negative students’ attitude. Conclusion: Medical institutions must take into account reasons for academic failure among medical students and address those issues to improve their performance.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP between COURSE MANAGEMENT and EXAMINATION ATTRITION RATES among UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS at the UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harrison Daka ◽  
Sekelani S. Banda ◽  
Charles M. Namafe
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Course Management ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between course management and examination attrition rates among undergraduate medical students at the University of Zambia, School of Medicine between the years 2008 to 2016. An explanatory sequential research design was used for data collection. Data were captured using an evaluation survey instrument, students’ Focus Group Discussion schedule and an interview schedule for key informants. Quantitative data from the first set were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data from the second set were analysed using constant comparative method. The findings indicate that there was significant statistical difference in the course workloads in all programmes (p = 0.000, F = 4, 596, d f = 8.53). The course loads were heavy, had little time allocated to them. Course concepts were not taught in depth and led to students’ perceptions that the courses were difficult. As such, there is urgent need to revise or review course contents (i. e. curricular) of several programmes to be in accordance with the time allocated to them and that the Department of Medical Education and Development (DMED) should consider organizing specific pedagogical training programmes for existing and newly employed academic staff.

scholarly journals Quality of sleep and burnout among undergraduate medical students at the university of Nairobi, Kenya

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S279-S279
Author(s):  
Linda Nyamute ◽  
Muthoni Mathai ◽  
Anne Mbwayo
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
The University

AimsThe main objective was to determine whether quality of sleep is associated with burnout among undergraduate medical students at the University of Nairobi.The null hypothesis in our study population was; 'There is no significant association between poor sleep quality and burnout'.BackgroundIn a pressure prevailing environment, medical students find themselves in a vicious cycle of cutting down on sleep in attempts to cope and adjust to increasing workloads. Students with poor sleep quality have been found to perform worse in their board exam and have strained social engagements. Ultimately, this chronic sleep deprivation may lead to burnout which may cause diminished sense of accomplishment and impaired professional conduct, that may be carried on to the career as a physician. High levels of burnout have been associated with suicides.MethodThe sample size obtained was 384 and participants were selected by a mixed sampling method. Data collection was through self-administered questionnaires. Scales used for this study were the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory(OLBI).Ethical considerations were adhered to and approval obtained from the Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi(KNH-UON) Ethics Board. Data entry and analysis was by SPSS v23. Data from 336 questionnaires were deemed fit for analysis.ResultWith a response rate of 87.5%, the prevalence of poor sleep quality and burnout were 69.9% and 74.7% respectively. There was a significant positive association between poor sleep quality and female gender, clinical years of study, living with family, poorly perceived socio-economic state and poor subjective academic performance. In addition, being female, younger, pre-clinical years, living independently off-campus and poor subjective academic performance were significantly associated with higher levels of burnout.Burnout had a significant correlation with poor sleep quality. Daytime functioning, a component of sleep quality had the highest correlation with components of burnout, disengagement and exhaustion. Overall, 57% of the respondents had both poor sleep quality &burnout, while only 12% were good sleepers with no burnout. Furthermore, having poor sleep increased the risk of having burnout by 2.8times. It is crucial that students adopt better sleeping habits to reduce the risk of burnout.ConclusionWith the high prevalence of poor sleep quality and burnout, peer-support groups and peer-led mentorship programs are recommended within this population to help deal with expectations, challenges and difficulties encountered within the course of medical education, in addition to preparing for the early future careers.

scholarly journals Prevalence of somatic symptoms amongst undergraduate medical students of Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 5106
Author(s):  
Shaikh Arshiya Kaiser Husain ◽  
Anwaya R. Magare ◽  
Purushottam A. Giri ◽  
Vijaykumar S. Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Effect

Background: The aim of medical education is to produce competent, physically and mentally strong health professionals, as they are going to be the pillars of the future health care system. Stress is one of the most common and process-oriented obstacles in medical education. It often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being of the students. Dealing with overloaded medical curriculum, competing with peers, being away from home and meeting high expectations imposed by parents and society to excel is among the common stressful transitions at this stage.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out amongst 352 undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in a rural area of Maharashtra during April to October 2019. The structured questionnaire was used to record the data. Collected data was used to assess the severity of mental health issues among medical students.Results: Majority 194 (55.11%) students were in the age of 18 to 20 years followed by 141 (40.06%) were in 21 to 23 years. There were 196 (55.68%) girl students and 156 (44.32%) boys. According to the various categories, 80 (22.73%) of the students had low stress scores, followed by 76 (21.59%) in minimal. A highly significant difference in stress scores was seen between boys and girls, which was more in boys.Conclusions: Study concluded that undergraduate medical students perceive minimal to very high stress presented as various systems that vary with the year of study and gender wise too. There is a further need to look into the various causes of stress.

scholarly journals Effect of epidemiology batch posting in improving attitude towards research among medical students

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1158
Author(s):  
Aparnavi P. ◽  
Venkatesh U. ◽  
Priyanka S. ◽  
Shalini S.
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Indian Medical ◽  
Wilcoxon Sign Rank

Background: Epidemiology batch posting (EBP) is conducted only in a few Indian medical colleges for undergraduate students to orient them with research methodologies. EBP is designed to overcome the lacuna in knowledge on attitude towards scientific research amongst medical students. The objective of the study was to study the effect of EBP in improving attitude towards research among medical students.Methods: A pre-post study was conducted on a batch of 40 students (consecutive sampling technique) posted for EBP in Department of Community Medicine, at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi during October-November 2017. This was well above the required sample size of 16 calculated using G Power 3.1. Data was collected using R-ATR (revised attitude towards research) Data was found to be non-parametric by applying tests of normality. Hence Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to find the statistical significance in change of attitude between pre and post-tests.Results: Participants mean age was 20.50±1.58 yrs and 75% of them were males. The median attitude towards research usefulness increased from 5.25 to 6.75 following EBP. In the domain of positive predisposition towards research, there was an overall positive change in attitude from a median of 4.00 to 5.25. A negative change was shown in ‘research anxiety’ domain, from a median score of 5.00 to 3.00.Conclusions: Authors recommend that Indian medical curriculum should mandate a small group learning model such as EBP for all undergraduate medical students to bring about a positive attitude towards research and to reduce their anxiety levels.

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