Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Concern exists that the transition from student to doctor is abrupt and stressful, with new graduates lacking both clinical skills and confidence. This study explores the effect a preparation programme can have on the confidence and skills of final year medical students (FYMSs), prior to commencing their first clinical post. Foundation year one (FY1) doctors were surveyed on challenges they faced when commencing clinical work. Findings were used to design a practical, four-week, eight lecture course, aimed at preparing final year medical students for work. Questionnaires and focus groups were used to establish pre- and post-course concerns. Amongst FY1 doctors (n=105) the predominant concern was the diagnosis and management of unwell patients (66.7%). Medical students expressed similar fears (80.85%). On average each session significantly improved confidence levels by 25.3% (95% CI: 23.27-27.12%, p<0.01). Sessions on prescribing and palliative care showed greatest confidence improvement (31.1% and 29.4% respectively). This programme supports the transition from medical student to practising doctor, and was found to be useful and effective at building student confidence through practical advice from current FY1 doctors to the next generation of junior doctors. It remains unclear as to when (within the year) this course would be most beneficially placed.
Highlights
Concern exists that the transition from student to doctor is abrupt and stressful, with new graduates lacking both clinical skills and confidence (Morrow et al 2012; Berridge et al 2007)
FY1 doctors were surveyed on challenges they faced when commencing clinical work, their initial confidence in managing unwell patients and what they thought would have been useful to know prior to starting FY1
By encouraging feedback from current FY1 doctors and final year medical students (FYMSs) it was possible to develop a course which was directed towards the students particular concerns
Summary
Concern exists that the transition from student to doctor is abrupt and stressful, with new graduates lacking both clinical skills and confidence (Morrow et al 2012; Berridge et al 2007). It has been shown that incoming doctors often lack particular skills in the diagnosis and management of unwell patients in the acute care Previous work has shown that induction courses immediately prior to FY1 help to prepare students for clinical work (Berridge et al 2007). This is variable and it draws the question that if students were better prepared during medical school, would they need this last minute induction course?
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