Feelings Of Preparedness Research Articles

The influence of care home registration type and size on senior care leader’s confidence to provide palliative and end-of-life care: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

BackgroundCare home staff are key providers of palliative and end-of-life care. Yet, little is known about how care home characteristics can influence care leader’s confidence in their ability to provide optimal palliative and end-of-life care.AimTo understand the influence of care home registration type (nursing, residential or dual registered) and size on senior care leader’s confidence to provide palliative and end-of-life care.DesignAn explanatory sequential mixed methods study comprising an online cross-sectional survey (including the Palliative Care Self-Efficacy Scale) and qualitative individual interviews. Analysis of survey data used a multivariate logistic regression and qualitative interview data used Framework Analysis. A ‘Following the Thread’ method was undertaken for data integration.Setting/participantsUK care home senior care leaders, purposively sampled by registration type, size and geographical location.ResultsThe online survey (N = 107) results indicated that nursing home senior care leaders had higher confidence scores on the Palliative Care Self-Efficacy Scale than residential care home leaders (aOR: 3.85, 95% CI 1.20-12.31, p = 0.02). Care home size did not show effect when adjusting for registration type (medium - aOR 1.71, 95% CI 0.59–4.97, p = 0.33; large – aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.18–2.30, p = 0.5). Interviews (n = 27) identified three themes that promote confidence, (1) ‘feelings of preparedness’ stemming from staff expertise and experience and care home infrastructure, (2) ‘partnership working’ with external services as a valued member of the multidisciplinary team, and (3) a shared language developed from end-of-life care guidance.ConclusionCare home senior care leader’s confidence is influenced by care home characteristics, particularly availability of on-site registered nurses and the infrastructure of large care homes. All care home leaders benefit from training, working with external, multidisciplinary teams and use of guidance. However, mechanisms to achieve this differed by care home type and size. Further exploration is needed on successful integration of palliative care services and interventions to enhance confidence in residential care homes.

Supporting pension decisions with value clarification methods or testimonials: two studies showing mixed effects on activation and feeling of preparation

IntroductionPension participants need appropriate support when making (complex) pension decisions. Grounded in Fuzzy-Trace Theory, we argue that suitable decisions require participants to (accurately) understand meaningful differences between decision alternatives. Based on this, we investigated the effectiveness of different types of decision support for the decision when to retire.MethodsWe conducted two experiments among participants of four Dutch pension funds (Study 1: N = 2,328, Study 2: N = 500) on the effectiveness of three different types of decision support: (a) a traditional pros and cons text, (b) a Value Clarification Method (VCM), and (c) testimonials.ResultsThe studies showed mixed results. In the first study, we found an activating effect of the VCM and the testimonials: participants who received one of these two types of decision support were more likely to visit a web page with additional information. In the second study, we found no differences between the three types of decision support.ConclusionWe discuss possible explanations for the effects found, as well as implications for future (research on) pension decision support.

Predictors of Perceived Curricular Difficulty in the First Semester of Veterinary Education.

Transitioning from undergraduate education to the professional curriculum of veterinary medicine poses serious challenges for many students in their first year. Several academic and personal factors contribute to the challenges students face in this critical period. This study investigated factors affecting academic performance in the first semester of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The research focused on the interplay of variables including undergraduate preparedness, science GPA, undergraduate major, anxiety, perceived curricular difficulty, expectancy of future success, and academic performance. Structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze relationships among variables. The findings indicated that students with low science GPAs and non-animal science undergraduate majors experienced less preparedness, leading to perceived curriculum difficulty and decreased expectations of success. This chain reaction elevated academic anxiety, negatively impacting academic performance. The study provided recommendations for intervention strategies that might enhance student success by addressing stressors impacting students' feelings of preparedness and coursework related anxiety to promote academic achievement and well-being.

The Impact of Completing X-Waiver Training and Clinical Addiction Exposure on Internal Medicine Residents Treating Patients With Opioid Use Disorder.

Treating opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine or methadone significantly reduces overdose and all-cause mortality. Prior studies demonstrate that clinicians and residents reported a lack of preparedness to diagnose or treat OUD. Little is known about how clinical exposure or buprenorphine X-waiver training impacts OUD care delivery by resident physicians. Distinguish the effects of X-waiver training and clinical exposure with OUD on resident's knowledge, attitudes, feelings of preparedness, and practices related to OUD treatment provision. From August 2021 to April 2022, we distributed a cross-sectional survey to internal medicine residents at a large academic training program. We analyzed associations between self-reported clinical exposure and X-waiver training across 4 domains: knowledge about best practices for OUD treatment, attitudes about patients with OUD, preparedness to treat OUD, and clinical experience with OUD. Of the 188 residents surveyed, 91 responded (48%). A majority of respondents had not completed X-waiver training (60%, n = 55) while many had provided clinical care to patients with OUD (65%, n = 59). Most residents had favorable attitudes about OUD treatment (97%). Both residents with clinical exposure to treating OUD and X-waiver training, and residents with clinical exposure without X-waiver training, felt more prepared to treat OUD (P < .0008) compared to residents with neither clinical exposure or X-waiver training or only X-waiver training. Residents with clinical exposure to treating OUD are more prepared to treat patients with OUD than those without clinical exposure. Greater efforts to incorporate clinical exposure to the treatment of OUD and education in internal medicine residency programs is imperative to address the opioid epidemic.

Evaluation of Nurses' Competency, Motivation, and Stress Levels in Disaster Management.

This study was conducted to determine the relationships between nurses' competency, motivation, and stress levels in disaster management, as well as to shed light on the establishment of effective disaster management programs. In our research we used a correlational, descriptive, cross-sectional design. The sample of the study was composed of 498 nurses working in Turkey. The "Descriptive and Professional Characteristics and Disaster Experiences of Nurses" form, the "Competencies for Disaster Nursing Management Questionnaire," the "Perceived Stress Scale," and the "Nurses Job Motivation Scale" were used in data collection. Nurses' disaster management competency and motivation levels were found to be adequate, and their stress levels were found to be moderate. A weak positive correlation was found between disaster management competency and motivation, but a weak negative correlation was found between stress levels. Age, education level, experience level, training in disaster nursing, and knowledge of duties and responsibilities in disasters were associated with significant differences in terms of disaster competency and its dimensions, motivation, and stress levels. The study found that nurses' disaster experiences impacted their competency, feeling of preparedness, and stress and motivation levels, and motivation was found to be a predictor of increasing competency.

FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ REFLECTIONS ON FAMILY SUPPORT AND PREPAREDNESS FOR END-OF-LIFE CAREGIVING

Abstract Family caregivers often report not having the knowledge or skills to provide care needed at their care receiver’s end of life (EoL), leaving them vulnerable to emotional, psychological, physical, and financial stress. These stressors may be due to increasingly complex caregiving responsibilities, difficult medical decisions, and anticipatory grief. Studies have also found a higher incidence of adverse effects among dementia caregivers. Few studies have examined how family support is associated with preparedness for EoL caregiving. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore family caregivers’ feelings of preparedness and family-member support for EoL caregiving, comparing responses between dementia care providers with all other caregivers. A sample of family caregivers were recruited to complete an online, self-report survey. Open-ended questions were included to explore caregivers’ feelings of preparedness and family support. Of all participants, 206 family caregivers responded to the open-ended questions. Nearly 40% (n=79) of these caregivers were providing care to a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Qualitative methods were used to analyze data, develop a coding scheme, and identify themes. Findings suggest that most family caregivers are providing care without adequate help, support, or communication from other family members. This lack of support seems to leave dementia caregivers feeling less prepared and more frustrated than other caregivers. Our findings highlight the importance of family communication about advance care planning and caregiving responsibilities to promote family caregiver preparedness and well-being, and effective care and quality of life for an individual at the end of their life.

Retaining Front-Line Personnel in a Pandemic: Examining the Effects of Preparation and Capacity to Respond

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant stress on public services, including front-line personnel in a variety of core government positions like policing. Past research in law enforcement has long described challenges related to these ideas of uncertainty, stress, and situational difficulties, and the effects of those on individual and group behavior and work practices. This exploratory research focuses on the retention of these key personnel in the midst of a pandemic. Survey data were collected in 2020 and 2021 from law enforcement personnel at all departmental ranks. Results indicate that there is wide variation in feelings of preparedness and efficacy of response, and that those with stronger perceptions of organizational capacity to respond to the pandemic, increased job satisfaction, and higher organizational commitment were more likely to express an intent to remain in those positions on a short- and long-term basis.

Students’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions surrounding 2SLGBTQIA + health education and inclusiveness in Canadian physiotherapy programs

BackgroundPatients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + report negative experiences with physiotherapy. The objectives were to evaluate student attitudes, beliefs and perceptions related to 2SLGBTQIA + health education and working with individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Canada and to evaluate physiotherapy program inclusiveness towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons.MethodsWe completed a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy students from Canadian institutions. We recruited students via email and social media from August-December 2021. Frequency results are presented with percentages. Logistic regression models (odds ratios [OR], 95%CI) were used to evaluate associations between demographics and training hours with feelings of preparedness and perceived program 2SLGBTQIA + inclusiveness.ResultsWe obtained 150 survey responses (mean age = 25 years [range = 20 to 37]) from students where 35 (23%) self-identified as 2SLGBTQIA + . While most students (≥ 95%) showed positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + patients, only 20 students (13%) believed their physiotherapy program provided sufficient knowledge about 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness. Students believed more 2SLGBTQIA + training is needed (n = 137; 92%), believed training should be mandatory (n = 141; 94%) and were willing to engage in more training (n = 138; 92%). Around half believed their physiotherapy program (n = 80, 54%) and clinical placements (n = 75, 50%) were 2SLGBTQIA + -inclusive and their program instructors (n = 69, 46%) and clinical instructors (n = 47, 31%) used sex/gender-inclusive language. Discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons was witnessed 56 times by students and most (n = 136; 91%) reported at least one barrier to confronting these behaviours. Older students (OR = 0.89 [0.79 to 0.99]), individuals assigned female at birth (OR = 0.34 [0.15 to 0.77]), and students self-identifying as 2SLGBTQIA + (OR = 0.38 [0.15 to 0.94]) were less likely to believe their program was 2SLGBTQIA + inclusive. Older students (OR = 0.85 [0.76 to 0.94]) and 2SLGBTQIA + students (OR = 0.42 [0.23 to 0.76]) felt the same about their placements. Students who reported > 10 h of 2SLGBTQIA + training were more likely to believe their program was inclusive (OR = 3.18 [1.66 to 6.09]).ConclusionsEntry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + persons but believe exposure to 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness is insufficient in their physiotherapy programs. This suggests greater attention dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA + health would be valued.

Cultivating Stronger Coaching in Clinical Mentors: An Experimental Evaluation of the Mentors Matter Professional Development Initiative

Despite the critical role of mentors in the preparation of preservice teachers, very little causal quantitative research has explored the effects of offering mentors professional development (PD) around how to coach and support their candidates. We conduct an experimental evaluation of a PD opportunity randomly offered to mentors within six different Tennessee programs over the course of 3 years to investigate its impacts on the perceptions and practices of both the mentors themselves and their candidates. PD significantly increased the frequency of coaching provided by mentors and mentors’ own instructional effectiveness but did not impact their candidates’ satisfaction or feelings of preparedness, though candidates of mentors assigned to treatment were marginally significantly more likely to find employment.

Experiences from the international frontlines: An exploration of the perceptions of airport employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

The aviation industry is one of the sectors that has been heavily impacted by the pandemic. While the major body of literature has focused on passenger experience and behaviour, this study focuses on airport employees instead—their experiences, perceptions, and preferences following the emergence of COVID-19. More than 1000 participants from 4 major airports—Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Singapore Changi Airport, Taipei Taoyuan Airport, and Zurich Airport—representing over 10 different occupations, have provided a variety of sentiments about the airport as an employment ecosystem in the wake of COVID-19. Quantitatively and qualitatively surveying four different airports enabled a cross-border analysis of the results to identify interesting geographic contrasts, as well as global themes, among the responses. Regional differences regarding, the feeling of preparedness, confidence in measures, and optimism are presented. A significant difference in confidence in non-pharmaceutical measures between employees from Asian and European airports is shown. Wants and needs such as better physical/IT workplace infrastructure and more flexibility regarding job scope and hours are pointed out. The results of this research provide insights for future airport employee experience research by outlining areas to study in greater detail. Furthermore, practical implications for airport stakeholders and companies arising from the challenges experienced by the workforce are laid out to provide guidance to prepare for similar circumstances in the future and navigate the aftermath of and recovery from the pandemic.

Gathering the Stakeholder's Perspective: Experiences and Opportunities in Rare Genetic Disease Research.

Research participant feedback is rarely collected; therefore, investigators have limited understanding regarding stakeholders' (affected individuals/caregivers) motivation to participate. Members of the Genes to Mental Health Network (G2MH) surveyed stakeholders affected by copy number variants (CNVs) regarding perceived incentives for study participation, opinions concerning research priorities, and the necessity for future funding. Respondents were also asked about feelings of preparedness, research burden, and satisfaction with research study participation. Modified validated surveys were used to assess stakeholders´ views across three domains: (1) Research Study Enrollment, Retainment, Withdrawal, and Future Participation; (2) Overall Research Experience, Burden, and Preparedness; (3) Research Priorities and Obstacles. Top box score analyses were performed. A total of 704 stakeholders´ responded from 29 countries representing 55 CNVs. The top reasons for initial participation in the research included reasons related to education and altruism. The top reasons for leaving a research study included treatment risks and side effects. The importance of sharing research findings and laboratory results with stakeholders was underscored by participants. Most stakeholders reported positive research experiences. This study provides important insight into how individuals and families affected with a rare CNV feel toward research participation and their overall experience in rare disease research. There are clear targets for areas of improvement for study teams, although many stakeholders reported positive research experiences. Key findings from this international survey may help advance collaborative research and improve the experience of participants, investigators, and other stakeholders moving forward.

Rater perspectives on Applied Training of cognitive Clinical Outcome Assessment (COA) scales delivered by neuropsychology experts

AbstractBackgroundCognitive assessments are critical in understanding the effects of investigational therapies, but their use can be vulnerable to variability test administration and scoring. Careful training of raters on proper test administration cognitive tests is crucial to ensure optimal reliability and validity of clinical outcome data (Targum, 2006) and (Jeglic, 2007). Trainee feedback is important in ensuring a training program is comprehensive, well‐delivered and well‐received.MethodPerceived effectiveness of live training videoconferences, with expert neuropsychologists as clinical coaches (referred to as Local Expert Advisors “LEADs”), was evaluated via optional, online “Rater Training Survey” deployed to raters to report on their training experience, trainer, and preparedness for live assessments with study participants.ResultOf 261 survey invitations, 48 (18.4%) raters submitted responses on training sessions with 6 different expert trainers, questions on LEAD Knowledge, LEAD Feedback, and Rater Equipped received 100% positive responses. Additional comments lauded the trainers’ engaging and constructive approach to training delivery with effective preparation for assessments with study subjects.ConclusionThis survey format proved to be a low‐burden approach to quality control of clinical coaches. Raters, trained through this rater training program, reported an overwhelmingly positive training experience with the program overall and with the Applied Training session, specifically. The “personal touch” of live training modalities with expert coaches appears to be an effective training approach for raters’ skill mastery and feeling of preparedness.

Role of social comparison in preparedness for practice as a junior doctor in Singapore: a longitudinal qualitative study

ObjectivesTo date, most research on medical graduates’ preparedness for practice has conceptualised preparedness as something possessed by the individual. However, new doctors work within social settings with other people and,...

Setting Common Standards for Reproductive Psychiatry Education: Effectiveness of the National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry.

The National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry (NCRP) provides standardized education for psychiatry residency training programs. The authors hypothesized that residents' preparedness to treat reproductive psychiatric concerns and their medical knowledge would improve following teaching with the NCRP. Pre- and post-assessments were administered to residents enrolled in two waves of pilot NCRP training (Early-Modules and All-Modules). Data were collected by individual survey, and pre- and post-responses matched via anonymous ID. Statistical analyses were conducted using R version 3.5.3 and included paired Student's t-tests and a chi-square test. Thirty-eight residents completed the Early-Modules survey and 16 the All-Modules survey. In both groups, there was significant improvement in preparedness to treat pregnant and postpartum women with mental illness (p<0.05). Scores on the 29-point knowledge test rose by 2.5 points in the Early-Modules group and 4.3 points in the All-Modules group (p<0.001 for both). In both cohorts, a majority of residents felt reproductive psychiatry was among the top three specialties needed to become competent independent adult psychiatrists. Classroom training with local faculty using a standardized curriculum is feasible and results in substantial and significant improvements in both feelings of preparedness and medical knowledge. Psychiatry trainees view training in reproductive psychiatry as an important and missing aspect of their education. Dissemination of a standardized curriculum may help to forge a path toward subspecialty certification for reproductive psychiatry, and can be used as a model for other specialties.

Psychiatric Resident Perceptions of Competency in the Management of Social Isolation and Grief in Geriatric Patients

Psychiatric Resident Perceptions of Competency in the Management of Social Isolation and Grief in Geriatric Patients

Self-perceived preparedness and training needs of healthcare personnel on humanitarian mission: a pre- and post-deployment survey

BackgroundHumanitarian healthcare workers are indispensable for treating weapon-wounded patients in armed conflict, and the international humanitarian community should ensure adequate preparedness for this task. This study aims to assess deployed humanitarian healthcare workers’ self-perceived preparedness, training requirements and mental support needs.MethodsMedical professionals deployed with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) between October 2018 and June 2020 were invited to participate in this longitudinal questionnaire. Two separate questionnaires were conducted pre- and post-deployment to assess respondents’ self-perceived preparedness, preparation efforts, deployment experiences and deployment influence on personal and professional development.ResultsResponse rates for the pre- and post-deployment questionnaires were 52.5% (114/217) and 26.7% (58/217), respectively. Eighty-five respondents (85/114; 74.6%) reported feeling sufficiently prepared to treat adult trauma patients, reflected by predeployment ratings of 3 or higher on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Significantly lower ratings were found among nurses compared to physicians. Work experience in a high-volume trauma centre before deployment was associated with a greater feeling of preparedness (mean rank 46.98 vs. 36.89; p = 0.045). Topics most frequently requested to be included in future training were neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, reconstructive surgery, ultrasound, tropical diseases, triage, burns and newborn noncommunicable disease management. Moreover, 51.7% (30/58) of the respondents regarded the availability of a mental health professional during deployment as helpful to deal with stress.ConclusionOverall, deployed ICRC medical personnel felt sufficiently prepared for their missions, although nurses reported lower preparedness levels than physicians. Recommendations were made concerning topics to be covered in future training and additional preparation strategies to gain relevant clinical experience. Future preparatory efforts should focus on all medical professions, and their training needs should be continuously monitored to ensure the alignment of preparation strategies with preparation needs.

179 Using QIP to Create a Structured Teaching Programme to Improve Confidence in Basic Surgical Topics in Foundation Year 1 Doctors

Abstract Aim We aim to create a new, structured teaching programme to help fill in knowledge gaps in newly qualified doctors, who have rotated into General Surgery. Method We ran the programme over three four-month periods. Prior to each rotation, we used a survey to assess multiple aspects: prior experience of surgical teaching, overall feeling of preparedness and confidence. We also asked for a self-evaluation on the doctor's confidence for specific basic surgical topics, on a 5-point scale. We asked for suggestion topics that doctors found difficult or lacked confidence in. We used this information to create a curriculum for the programme. We then reassessed these variables at the end of the cycle, using the information to plan and implement the next cycle. Results During the first cycle, we made no significant difference in any area. Experiencing significant barriers to attendance, organisation, and interaction with the survey. We used this first cycle to identify these barriers and address them for the second cycle. These changes led to a significant improvement in attendance, feedback from sessions and interaction with the questionnaires. We saw a 3-fold increase in attendance to sessions on average. After the second cycle, there was an overall improvement of confidence in all basic surgical topics. There was an increase in the number of doctors considering a career in surgery. Conclusions This teaching programme has led to an improvement in junior doctors’ confidence in basic surgical topics. Repeated PDSA cycles are allowing continuous improvement and change to maximise exposure to surgical teaching and training.

Practical and emotional preparation for death: A mixed methods study investigating experiences of family carers of people with dementia.

BackgroundWhen family carers are more prepared for the end of the life of a person they care for, they report improved bereavement outcomes. Few studies have explored how carers prepare for the death of a person with dementia. We aimed to explore how carers for people with all stages of dementia experience preparing for end of life care and death.MethodsThis was a mixed methods cross-sectional study. Family carers of people with dementia (n = 150) completed a structured interview with validated scales, alongside questions about death preparedness and advance decisions. A sub-sample (n = 16) completed qualitative interviews exploring their experiences of planning for end of life. We fitted logistic regression models to explore associations with preparedness, and thematically analysed qualitative data.ResultsWe addressed practical and emotional preparation separately for 143 participants. Fifty seven percent of participants were very practically prepared for death, while only 29% were very emotionally prepared. Male carers were more likely than female carers to report being very emotionally and practically prepared. Higher engagement with healthcare professionals was associated with feeling very practically prepared; although we found that formal discussions of end of life care issues with healthcare professionals did not impact carers’ feelings of preparation. Higher levels of dementia severity and carer depression were associated with feeling very emotionally prepared. Three qualitative themes related to practical and emotional preparation were identified: (1) ambiguity and uncertainty; (2) support from the system; and (3) how death is perceived by the carer.ConclusionsWhile most carers felt practically prepared for death, emotional preparation was much lower. Further research is needed to understand how engagement with healthcare professionals or other forms of social or emotional support could help carers, particularly female carers, to emotionally prepare for their relative’s death.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Patient Engagement in Health Product Research and Development: Co-Creating a Framework for Community Advisory Boards.

While patient engagement is becoming more customary in developing health products, its monitoring and evaluation to understand processes and enhance impact are challenging. This article describes a patient engagement monitoring and evaluation (PEME) framework, co-created and tailored to the context of community advisory boards (CABs) for rare diseases in Europe. It can be used to stimulate learning and evaluate impacts of engagement activities. A participatory approach was used in which data collection and analysis were iterative. The process was based on the principles of interactive learning and action and guided by the PEME framework. Data were collected via document analysis, reflection sessions, a questionnaire, and a workshop. The tailored framework consists of a theory of change model with metrics explaining how CABs can reach their objectives. Of 61 identified metrics, 17 metrics for monitoring the patient engagement process and short-term outcomes were selected, and a "menu" for evaluating long-term impacts was created. Example metrics include "Industry representatives' understanding of patients' unmet needs;" "Feeling of trust between stakeholders;" and "Feeling of preparedness." "Alignment of research programs with patients' needs" was the highest-ranked metric for long-term impact. Findings suggest that process and short-term outcome metrics could be standardized across CABs, whereas long-term impact metrics may need to be tailored to the collaboration from a proposed menu. Accordingly, we recommend that others adapt and refine the PEME framework as appropriate. The next steps include implementing and testing the evaluation framework to stimulate learning and share impacts.

10 Introducing a Virtual Ward Round in Times of COVID-19

Many medical students feel unprepared for starting as FY1 doctors, and often report low confidence in taking responsibility for patients and working independently, and lack self-assurance in common FY1 skills, including assessing unwell patients and initiating management, task prioritization, referrals, documentation, ordering imaging and on-call shifts. These skills are developed during clinical placements; however, access to these opportunities during placements has diminished due to COVID-19 and concerns around patient safety. Simulation‐based teaching allows students to take responsibility and work within complex clinical environments without posing a risk to patients The aim of the study was to evaluate whether simulated mock ward rounds increase final-year medical students’ overall confidence and feeling of preparedness for starting as FY1 doctors.In total, 20 final-year medical students took part in the programme in two whole-day sessions. This was comprised of a simulated ward round of 10 patients. Students acted as FY1 doctors on the ward and carried out jobs, reviewed patients who deteriorated and had a number of tasks such as updating families, ordering radiology, initiating management and discharge summaries. Students’ confidence and preparedness was measured using pre- and post-course questionnaires. The questionnaires consisted of a 10‐point Likert scale for students to rate their confidence in key skills and overall preparedness for FY1 (1 = not at all confident, 10 = completely confident). These scores were matched and analysed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Additionally, there was blank spaces for feedback on the course which were analysed thematically.Pre- and post-course questionnaires demonstrated that students felt significantly more prepared for FY1 after the course (p &lt; 0.001). There was also a significant improvement in nine other domains deemed important for FY1 that students had reported low confidence in (see Figure 1). Qualitative data revealed that students appreciated the programme. They stated its superiority to other educational methods such as shadowing or didactic teaching sessions.Students mean confidence score in overall preparedness and key skills before and after the programme. P &lt; 0.001 for all domains.Simulated mock ward rounds can be used as an adjunct to clinical placements to increase medical students’ confidence about starting work, and to teach them valuable skills regularly utilized by FY1 doctors.