scholarly journals Psychological Burden and Experiences Following Exposure to COVID-19: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Chinese Medical Student Volunteers

Author(s):  
Kaiting Zhang ◽  
Yixiang Peng ◽  
Xiaowei Zhang ◽  
Liping Li

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some medical students devoted themselves to volunteer activities, but it was the first time that they had been exposed to such an infectious disease and they might have experienced fear in the face of the epidemic. We aimed to conduct a timely assessment of the psychological burden and experience on medical student volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales to survey the psychology burden of students in April 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine medical students who signed up for volunteer activities in Chinese from February to April 2020. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. Results: The detection of depression, anxiety and stress of medical student volunteers were 26.8%, 20.2% and 11.1%, respectively. The volunteer’s negative emotions were more pronounced before work and diminished gradually. Most participants expressed no concern about being infected themselves, but worry about family infection. Participant’s motivations for volunteering were primarily their duties as medical students and encouragement from their families/teachers. The vast majority of medical students said they would be willing to work as medical assistants again and this experience would not affect their career choice. Conclusions: Chinese medical student volunteers tended to show negative emotions at the beginning of their work, and then gradually declined, while positive emotions emerged. Most medical students were willing to volunteer as medical assistants when their country needed them due to their sense of responsibility as medical students. This study on the psychological and experiential aspects were derived from Chinese medical student volunteers and might have a significant impact on future public health emergencies in similar settings.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Mascaro ◽  
Sean Kelley ◽  
Alana Darcher ◽  
Lobsang Negi ◽  
Carol Worthman ◽  
...  

Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychologicaldemands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physiciancompetence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion inways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To addressthis issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-basedcompassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreasesdepression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Comparedto the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreasedloneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting highlevels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breakingthe link between personal suffering and a concomitant drop in compassion


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-323
Author(s):  
Thomas Flamini ◽  
Natasha R. Matthews ◽  
George S. Castle ◽  
Elliot M. Jones-Williams

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions towards a career in psychiatry among medical students and psychiatrists and identify how recruitment into the specialty may be improved. Design/methodology/approach This study locally compares medical student and psychiatric doctor responses to a structured online survey and structured interviews with key managerial figures in the Humber NHS Foundation Trust. Findings Comparison across two main areas (pre-decision exposure to psychiatry and reasons for considering a psychiatric career) found that both students and doctors were influenced to make a choice about a career in psychiatry during medical school. Medical students found compatibility with family life to be more important when considering psychiatry, whereas doctors cited content-based reasons as significant pull factors. Stigma and fear of being harmed deterred some students from choosing a career in psychiatry. Structured interview responses reiterated the importance of pre-medical school and undergraduate mentorship in bolstering future recruitment to psychiatry. Practical implications Medical students perceive certain career issues differently to their postgraduate counterparts. Widening the content-based appeal of psychiatry and optimising the medical school experience of the specialty via varied and high-quality placements may be a key step towards tackling the national shortfall in qualified psychiatrists. Originality/value This is the first published study comparing medical student and psychiatric doctor perceptions of a career in psychiatry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAO Zhen ◽  
Jenny GIBSON ◽  
Bill NICHOLL

This paper presents a small-scale exploratory study investigating social play among 8- to 11-year-old Chinese children. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six self-selected pairs of children in six natural settings (two homes, two parks, and two playgrounds). Children’s responses to the interview questions and their spontaneous play activities during the interview were audio-recorded and analysed thematically based on transcription. Pretend play and games with rules were found to be two popular types of social play among these children. Three features of social play activities were identified: combination of real-life elements and creation, combination of variation and consistency, and combination of conflicts and compromises. According to children’s own perspectives, being appropriately challenged, being fair, and having autonomy were important for them during play. Children also reported positive emotions during play and negative emotions when not having opportunity to play. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. e228-e233
Author(s):  
Kelly H. Yom ◽  
Ryan J. Diel ◽  
Pavlina S. Kemp

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated a shift of medical education to online learning in lieu of traditional clinic-based rotations. The flipped classroom model, which has been shown to be an effective approach to the medical student ophthalmology curriculum, shows promise as a method of learning that can be shared virtually. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach to the primary care-focused ophthalmology clerkship delivered entirely online in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Medical students who completed the 2-week introductory clinical ophthalmology clerkship from July 2019 to July 2020 were included in this study. The curriculum centers on a flipped classroom model and was delivered in person prior to March 2020, after which it transitioned to an online format for 5 months. A survey was administered to students completing this rotation, which utilized 6-point Likert scales to assess students' interest in the field of ophthalmology, perceptions of the flipped classroom curriculum, and confidence in evaluating ophthalmic complaints. The cohort that completed in-person learning was then compared with the cohort that completed online learning. Results A total of 112 responding students were included in our analysis, with 68/82 students from the in-person cohort and 44/66 students in the online cohort responding to the survey. Students who participated in the online virtual clerkship were equally likely to feel comfortable evaluating eye complaints than those who participated in the in-person clerkship, and more likely to report that the course enhanced their interest in ophthalmology. However, online students were less likely to feel comfortable using the direct ophthalmoscope compared with those in the in-person cohort. Conclusion Regardless of its mode of delivery, the flipped classroom model is able to impart confidence in evaluating ophthalmic complaints and interest in the field of ophthalmology to medical students. While online learning can never serve as a full replacement for learning physical examination skills and other important clinical experiences, there are aspects of the virtual flipped classroom that do not compromise student's learning and engagement and may be implemented into curricula even after clinical activities are allowed to resume.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia C. Behrens ◽  
Erik W. Driessen ◽  
Diana H. Dolmans ◽  
Gerard J. Gormley

Abstract Background Simulation-based education can induce intense learner emotions. The interplay between emotions and learning is less well understood. Gaining greater insights into learner emotions has potential to guide how best we manage emotions and optimise learning. This study aimed to understand learners’ lived emotional experiences in complex simulation and the perceived impact on learning. Methods Eight final-year medical students participated in the study. Wearing video-glasses, participants took part in a ward-based simulation. Video-footage was used to elicitate exploratory interviews and analysed using Template Analysis reflexively. Results Analysis yielded four main themes: ‘nervous anticipation’: encapsulating the fear, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by learners prior to simulation; ‘shock and awe’: feelings of anxiousness and being overwhelmed at the start of a simulation; ‘in the moment: flowing or buffeting with the emotions’: experiencing fear of being judged as incompetent, but also experiencing positive emotions such as satisfaction; ‘safe-landing?’: whilst debriefing aimed to encourage more positive emotions, negative emotions about the simulation could persist even with debriefing. Conclusions Complex simulation can evoke intense emotions in students. If students experienced a positive progression, they reported positive emotions and felt competent which was perceived to have a positive impact on learning. If students experienced failure, they reported strong negative emotions which made them question about their future performance and was perceived as negative for learning. Bringing to the surface these complex emotional dynamics, could permit educators to be aware of and adapt the emotional climate within simulation in order to optimise learning.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruei-Jen Chiou ◽  
Po-Fang Tsai ◽  
Der-Yan Han

Abstract Background A gross anatomy is an important course for medical students; however, seeing a cadaver often makes them feel uncomfortable. According to the broaden-and-build theory, the present study tried to reduce students’ negative emotions by sequential activities, such as interviews and ceremony, which induced gratitude and other positive emotions. Methods One hundred and five medical students in their third year filled Emotional Reactions Towards Cadavers Scale for three times in one semester, and paired-sample t-tests and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the changes of emotional reaction. Results Three-wave data showed that participants’ high-level emotions increased, negative emotions decreased, and the former simultaneously predicted the latter. Conclusions Combining dissection course with medical humanities helped students to successfully handle negative emotions during gross anatomy course.


2020 ◽  
pp. 025371762093678
Author(s):  
Alapan Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Sarbari Sarkar ◽  
Abhijit Mukherjee ◽  
Sharmistha Bhattacherjee ◽  
Soumya Basu

Background: Successful identification of emotional expression in patients is of considerable importance in the diagnosis of diseases and while developing rapport between physicians and patients. Despite the importance of such skills, this aspect remains grossly overlooked in conventional medical training in India. This study aims to explore the extent to which medical students can identify emotions by observing photographs of male and female subjects expressing different facial expressions. Methods: A total of 106 medical students aged 18–25, without any diagnosed mental illnesses, were shown images of the six universal facial expressions (anger, sadness, fear, happiness, disgust, and surprise) at 100% intensity with an exposure time of 2 seconds for each image. The participants marked their responses after each image was shown. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Participants could identify 76.54% of the emotions on average, with higher accuracy for positive emotions (95.6% for happiness) and lower for negative emotions (46% for fear). There were no significant variations in identification with respect to sex of the observers. However, it was seen that participants could identify emotions better from male faces than those from female faces, a finding that was statistically significant. Negative emotions were identified more accurately from male faces, while positive emotions were identified better from female ones. Conclusions: Male participants identified emotions better from male faces, while females identified positive emotions better from female faces and negative ones from male faces.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruei-Jen Chiou ◽  
Po-Fang Tsai ◽  
Der-Yan Han

Abstract Background Gross anatomy laboratory course at medical school is usually an important learning subject for medical students; however, seeing a cadaver often makes them feel uncomfortable. According to the broaden-and-build theory, positive emotions broaden our inventory of thoughts and actions, and build physical, mental, and social resources. Research on positive psychology found that through direct thanks and positive reframing, people who feel gratitude show fewer depressive symptoms. The present study tried to reduce students’ negative emotions towards cadavers by sequential activities, such as family interviews and an initiation ceremony, which induced gratitude and other positive emotions. Methods The Emotional Reactions Towards Cadavers Scale (ERTCS) was used to evaluate medical students’ emotional reactions after they see a cadaver. Third year medical students (n = 105) at Taipei Medical University in northern Taiwan completed ERTCS on three occasions within a single semester during academic year 2016. Repeated-measures ANOVA and hierarchical regression analyses were then conducted to identify any changes in the emotional reactions of these students. Results The ERTCS showed satisfactory internal consistency and a three-factor structure, i.e., negative emotions, high-level emotions, and excited emotions. High-level emotions were the highest, and negative emotions were the lowest among the three in our sample. Three-wave data showed that participants’ high-level emotions increased, negative emotions decreased, and the former simultaneously predicted the latter after controlling for the influence of gender, religious beliefs, experience of the death of a family member or friend, and burnout level. Conclusions While past research usually focused on coping strategies to reduce medical students’ negative emotions, our study supported the broaden-and-build theory, which emphasizes positive emotions, and demonstrated that elevating medical students’ gratitude to ‘silent mentors’ is an effective way. It is suggested that combining dissection courses with medical humanities can help students successfully handle negative emotions during a gross anatomy laboratory course.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Bandyopadhyay ◽  
S Sarkar ◽  
A Mukherjee

Abstract Background Successful identification of emotional expression in patients is of considerable importance in the diagnosis of diseases and while developing rapport between physicians and patients. Despite the importance of such skills, this aspect remains grossly overlooked in conventional medical training in India. This study aims to explore the extent to which medical students can identify emotions by observing photographs of male and female subjects expressing different facial expressions. Methods A total of 106 medical students aged 18-25 without any diagnosed mental illnesses were shown images of the six universal facial expressions (anger, sadness, fear, happiness, disgust and surprise) at 100% intensity with an exposure time of 2 seconds for each image. The participants marked their responses after each image was shown. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS. Results Participants could identify 76.54% of the emotions on average, with higher accuracy for positive emotions (95.6% for happiness) and lower for negative emotions (46% for fear). There were no significant variations in identification with respect to gender of observers. On the other hand, statistically significant differences were observed in identification when gender of the expressors were considered. Conclusions Male participants identified emotions better from male faces, while females identified positive emotions better from female faces and negative ones from male faces. Key messages Misidentification of emotions, especially negative emotions, from static facial expressions was common in physician students of both sexes. This is an aspect that needs to be addressed during the training of medical students in India.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-93
Author(s):  
Jort de Vreeze ◽  
Christina Matschke

Abstract. Not all group memberships are self-chosen. The current research examines whether assignments to non-preferred groups influence our relationship with the group and our preference for information about the ingroup. It was expected and found that, when people are assigned to non-preferred groups, they perceive the group as different to the self, experience negative emotions about the assignment and in turn disidentify with the group. On the other hand, when people are assigned to preferred groups, they perceive the group as similar to the self, experience positive emotions about the assignment and in turn identify with the group. Finally, disidentification increases a preference for negative information about the ingroup.


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