Negativer Rückblick oder positive Aussicht? Eine Online-Befragung Studierender der Medizin über ihre Erfahrungen während des Studiums

Abstract

Background Little is known about medical students' experiences related to their education in Germany. Objective To find out the kind and relevance of students' experiences during their medical education, with a special gender focus. Methods Using a self-assessed online questionnaire, we surveyed students at three points of time (basic science, clinical science and clinical year) about their positive and negative experiences. Results The overall participation rate was 32% (391/1.222). A total of 945 positive events and 1.640 negative events were reported. Identifying of role models during medical education was the most reported positive experience (83%). The most frequently negative experiences were lack of appreciation (56%) and rivalry (51%). Verbal abuse bothered the students most (59%). While the frequency of negative experiences was similarly distributed, female students felt more often bothered from negative experiences. Nearly two-thirds of the participants were satisfied with their medical education with a decreasing tendency (basis science: 78%, clinical science: 66%, clinical year: 55%). Both dissatisfaction and feeling bothered were strongly associated with the number of negative experiences. Conclusion This survey shows for the first time the frequency and significance of positive and negative experiences for students during medical education in Germany. This data can serve as a basis for further investigations and new hypotheses. The reduction of negative experiences and promotion of role models may be a chance to reduce students' dissatisfaction in the future.