Marina Alves Martins Siqueira
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Matheus Belloni Torsani
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Gustavo Rosa Gameiro
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Lucas Albuquerque Chinelatto
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Bruna Chacon Mikahil
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Abstract
BackgroundConsidering evidence on competency-based curriculum and the benefits of volunteering, this study highlights new ideas to improve medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the motivations and perceptions on competencies developed as leadership and management skills in medical students who joined COVID-19 Volunteering Program in a brazilian medical school.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study involving medical students from the University of Sao Paulo (USP)/Brazil. They were invited to participate in an institutional Volunteering Program during the pandemic, and filled online application forms, including sociodemographic fields and two open-ended questions about motivation to volunteer and perceptions on their own competencies. At the end of the Program, students who were involved in management-related activities were also invited to participate in focus group interviews to track their perceptions about volunteering in this area. Data were submitted to descriptive and content analysis methods. All participants provided informed consent through electronic signature.Results286 medical students have subscribed to the Volunteering Program: 171 (60%) were men, 152 (53%) were enrolled in 5th year and 158 (55%) were 23-25 years old. One-hundred and twelve (44%) students volunteered motivated by altruistic reasons, 95 (37%) reported duty and 47 (19%) prioritized academic interests. Concerning CanMEDS competencies, 91 (36%) students’ responses matched with the Scholar component, followed by 51 (20%) with Collaborator, 49 (20%) with Professional, 32 (13%) with Communicator, 17 (7%) with Leader and 11 (4%) with Health Advocate. In focus groups, students reported the importance of management and leadership skills as a curricular component, motivations to volunteer, the acquired skills from volunteering in management and leadership-related activities, highlighting the development of resilient attitude.ConclusionsStudents who participated in the FMUSP Volunteering Program reported being motivated to help others (altruistic reasons) and to serve society as future health professionals (duty). Knowledge and work-related competencies prevailed over leadership or soft skills, emphasizing the importance of including such activities in curriculum. Participating in management-related activities could help develop a more resilient attitude towards medical training.Take home messagesVolunteering programs offer students opportunities to develop essential competencies for the future health professional. Thus, we should think about including such activities in curricular structure.