Self-efficacy Of Medical Students Research Articles

Self-efficacy of medical students in a hybrid curriculum course (traditional and problem-based learning) and associated factors

Self-efficacy consists of the judgment of one’s abilities to perform actions required to achieve a given performance, which has been considered predictive of performance. In academics, it means personal convictions in accomplishing a task to a defined degree of quality. Numerous studies have investigated medical students’ self-efficacy in traditional and PBL curricula. However, few studies have addressed the hybrid PBL scenario (Hpbl) that simultaneously contemplates PBL, traditional teaching, and practical activities. An even smaller number have evaluated the factors associated with this entity. With these considerations, we aimed to investigate the self-efficacy belief in the hPBL curriculum and the factors associated with this entity. This quantitative observational cross-sectional study was held between August 2022 and November 2022 in Fortaleza, a city in Northeast Brazil with almost 3 million inhabitants. The medical course has 12 semesters. The first two semesters use traditional teaching and cover the basic cycle, followed by the third to eighth semesters which correspond to the pre-clinical and clinical cycle. From the third semester onwards, traditional teaching and PBL are used simultaneously, which we call a hybrid model of PBL. The scale “Scale of Self-efficacy in Higher Education” was applied, a questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language consisting of 34 questions, with answers on a Likert-type scale with ten points, divided into five dimensions. To verify the association between sociodemographic factors and self-efficacy, simple and multiple linear models with robust errors were used. In total, 412 students participated in this study, most of them women (70.1%). The average age of students was 22.9 years. All domains had medians greater than 8, which means strong self-efficacy. The following factors were associated with higher self-efficacy scores in general after the multivariate analysis: female gender (8.6 vs. 8.3, p-value = 0.014), working (8.8 vs. 8.5, p-value = 0.019) and participating in extracurricular activities (8.7 vs. 8.1, p-value = 0.019). We conclude that medical students studying in hybrid learning models showed strong levels of self-efficacy. In addition, participating in extracurricular activities was associated with higher self-efficacy scores and males presented lower levels of self-efficacy.

Hybridizing video-based learning with simulation for flipping the clinical skills learning at a university hospital in Pakistan

BackgroundWhile learning and practicing on actual patients is a major mode of teaching clinical skills, concerns about patient safety, unavailability, and lack of standardization have led to the development of simulation for medical education. Simulation-based teaching is affected by challenges such as lack of protected time for faculty, inexperienced learners, and the number of students per group. These have led to the integration of various eLearning formats in the curriculum. The hybridized format changes the traditional clinical skills teaching into the flipped classroom. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of hybridizing video-based learning with simulation for flipping the clinical skills teaching of fourth-year medical students at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Aga Khan University, Pakistan.MethodsThe study employed a mixed-methods design. Fourth-year medical students of the batch 2020-21 (n = 100) consented to participate in the study. The quantitative component focuses on identifying the effect of the intervention on the perceived self-efficacy of medical students (batch 2020-21) relevant to the clinical skill. Along with this, the performance of the intervention batch of 2020-21 on the end of clerkship objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) was compared with the previous batch of 2019-20, taught using simulation alone. Focused group discussions (FGDs) were used to explore the experiences of medical students (batch 2020-21) about the intervention. Quantitative data underwent descriptive and inferential analysis using Stata v16 while qualitative data underwent content analysis using NVivo software.ResultsHybridization of video-based learning with simulation significantly improved self-efficacy scores for all examinations (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and abdomen) with p-value < 0.05. OSCE scores of the intervention group were significantly higher on the neurological and abdominal stations as compared to the previous batch (p-value < 0.05). In addition, the overall structure of the intervention was appreciated by all the students, who stated it allowed reinforcement of basic concepts, retention, and further insight into clinical applications.ConclusionThe hybridization of video-based learning with simulation facilitated in creation of better opportunities for medical students to revive their prior knowledge, apply core concepts for the problem and engage in clinical reasoning.

The Effect of an Intersectionality Elective on the Perceived Self-Efficacy of Medical Students in Addressing Health Inequity

The Effect of an Intersectionality Elective on the Perceived Self-Efficacy of Medical Students in Addressing Health Inequity

Optimizing simulated interviews and feedback to maximize medical students’ self-efficacy in real time

BackgroundSelf-efficacy is crucial in improving medical students’ communication skills. This study aims to clarify where medical students’ self-efficacy is greatest following an interview with a simulated patient and subsequent feedback.MethodsA total of 162 medical students (109 men, 53 women) in their fourth or fifth year at a university in Japan participated in this study. The degree of self-efficacy in medical interviewing was measured before and after a medical interview with a simulated patient, and after the subsequent feedback session.ResultsANOVA analysis revealed that self-efficacy for medical interviews was higher after both the interview and the feedback session than before the interview. Among all three time points, self-efficacy was highest after the feedback session.ConclusionsFeedback following a simulated interview with a simulated patient is important to improve the self-efficacy of medical students when learning medical interviewing skills.

Spiralled Palliative Care Curriculum Aligned with International Guidelines Improves Self-Efficacy but Not Attitudes: Education Intervention Study.

PurposeDespite recommendations that palliative care education should be in all health professional programmes, such education is ad-hoc and variable. To reduce variability, the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) published a comprehensive guideline for curricula development. This study evaluates a new palliative and end-of-life care course for medical undergraduates aligned with the EAPC guidelines, focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes.MethodsFinal-year medical students were surveyed using two validated questionnaires: Self Efficacy in Palliative Care (SEP-C) and Thanatophobia scale (TS). We compared the intervention group, that were exposed to an integrated palliative medicine course throughout the three clinical years, with a control group that were not exposed to the new educational intervention.ResultsFor self-efficacy, the intervention group had statistically significantly higher scores than the control arm. The control group had high scores compared with international data. Positive attitudes to dying patients were low and did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionA well-designed palliative and end-of-life curriculum that is aligned to EAPC guidelines increases the self-efficacy of medical students in managing palliative patients but has little effect on attitudes to dying people. This is likely to be influenced by other factors such as the need for experiential learning.

Exercise Behavior and Self-Efficacy of Medical Students Based on Stages of Change Model

Introduction: Despite the benefits of exercisemany people in different countries specially students, have not enough physical activity. The aim of this research is to study exercise behavior of medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences based on stages of change model and assess itsrelationship with students’ self-efficacy.Method: All of the 309 students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences participated in this cross-sectional study. The data collection methodwas a questionnaire which consistedof four parts: demographic characteristics, the pattern of weekly physical activity, the level of exercise behavior which was based on stages of change model and finally the questions which assess exercises self-efficacy. Results: Atotalof 309students(46.6% male and 53.4% female) participated in this study. The mean (SD) of their age was 21.57 (2.20). Based on the stages of change model 117 (37.9%) students were on the pre-contemplation stage. 78 (25.2%), 45 (14.6%), 27 (8.7%) and 42 (13.6%) students were on the contemplation, readiness, action and maintenance stage, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between students’ exercise self-efficacyand their stages of change (p< 0.001).Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, exercise self-efficacy had an important role in students’ exercise behavior. Therefore, it seems to be important for related institutions such as Physical Education Organization tofocus a part of their activities on improving thelevel of exercise self-efficacy in students. Declaration of Interest: None

An application of Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form among Vietnamese medical students

BACKGROUND:Choosing the right career can be one of the most crucial decisions in one's life. Nevertheless, career decisions are filled with uncertainty and daunting challenges. Therefore, finding ways to assist students to better understand and cope with these difficult career decisions is a worthy topic of research. This research was aimed to examine the career decision-making self-efficacy of medical students’ using a version of the Career Decision Self–Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDSES-SF) that was translated and adapted with permission to the Vietnamese context.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A descriptive study was carried out at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy with a total number of 326 questionnaires distributed to freshmen students and 314 questionnaires collected back. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to finalize the structure of the Vietnamese Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale– Short Form (VCDSES-SF).RESULTS:EFA resulted in the five named factors or subscales of the VCDSES-SF with 23 items: Occupational Information and Planning (7 items), Self-Assessment and Career Readiness (6 items), Confidence to Change Careers (3 items), Fit My Lifestyle and Interests (4 items), and Goal Selection (3 items).CONCLUSIONS:A number of empirical studies undertaken in various cultural contexts have found different models of career decision-making self-efficacy measurement. The present study found that although the VCDSES-SF is somewhat different than the original CDSES-SF, the resultant measure is a reliable and effective tool that can be used within the Vietnamese context.

Analysis of academic self-efficacy of medical students learning English for specific purposes

Introduction. English for Specific Purposes focuses on teaching and learning subject specific knowledge which includes specific language skills that particular learners need for a specific purpose. Self-efficacy is determined by subjective beliefs about one?s own abilities, which also applies to the academic setting of studying English for Specific Purposes. Academic self-efficacy represents the conviction of students about their own abilities to successfully fulfil academic tasks at designated levels. The goal of this research is to examine the degree of academic self-efficacy of medical students who learn English for Specific purposes at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Novi Sad, with respect to their gender, year of study, grade achieved in the previous course in English, and the length of learning English before enrolling in the Faculty. Material and Methods. The study included 58 medical students. The researchers used the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale questionnaire developed by Owen and Froman (1988) to assess academic self-efficacy. Results. Three significant factors were identified: general self-competence, communication with the professor, and attendance at lectures, with general self-competence being the most significant factor. Considering the independent variables, only the grade showed statistical significance. Establishing the grade as such a significant predictor can be explained by the fact that good grades and a high grade point average are presented as very desirable outcomes. However, a good grade does not necessarily mean having better knowledge or correct use of language. Conclusion. Further research into this topic is necessary, with expanding the number of participants, study programs and variables.

Early longitudinal experiences increase medical student self-efficacy.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of early longitudinal preceptorship experiences on the evolution of general self-efficacy and patient-centeredness self-efficacy through medical school. Methods:Validated surveys for general self-efficacy and patient-centeredness self-efficacy were administered in an allopathic medical school at three timepoints. These data were stratified by traditional and longitudinal preceptorship groups and analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Qualitative analysis of narrative medicine essays by the same cohort during their preceptorship experiences was also performed. Results: While general self-efficacy remained largely unchanged over time, patient-centeredness self-efficacy measures increased throughout medical school in the whole cohort (N=157). The longitudinal preceptorship group had higher gains in patient-centeredness self-efficacy, especially in the domain of exploring patient perspectives (p<0.05). The qualitative analysis of narrative medicine essays showed those in longitudinal preceptorships were more likely to discuss health care systems issues, consider psychosocial factors, and perceive themselves as active members of the care team. Discussion:Our study indicates greater patient-centeredness attitudes over time among students who have early longitudinal experiences, perhaps due to the self-efficacy building nature of these experiences. Our research suggest that medical school programs should consider incorporating opportunities for early longitudinal clinical experiences for their students.

Peer-led pediatric resuscitation training: effects on self-efficacy and skill performance

BackgroundPeer-led basic life support training in medical school may be an effective and valued way of teaching medical students, yet no research has been conducted to evaluate the effect on the self-efficacy of medical students. High self-efficacy stimulates healthcare professionals to initiate and continue basic life support despite challenges.MethodsA randomized controlled trial, in which medical students received pediatric basic life support (PBLS) training, provided by either near-peer instructors or expert instructors. The students were randomly assigned to the near-peer instructor group (n = 105) or expert instructor group (n = 108). All students received two hours of PBLS training in groups of approximately 15 students. Directly after this training, self-efficacy was assessed with a newly developed questionnaire, based on a validated scoring tool. A week after each training session, students performed a practical PBLS exam and completed another questionnaire to evaluate skill performance and self-efficacy, respectively.ResultsStudents trained by near-peers scored significantly higher on self-efficacy regarding all aspects of PBLS. Theoretical education and instructor feedback were equally valued in both groups. The scores for the practical PBLS exam and the percentage of students passing the exam were similar in both groups.ConclusionsOur findings point towards the fact that near-peer-trained medical students can develop a higher level of PBLS-related self-efficacy than expert-trained students, with comparable PBLS skills in both training groups. The exact relationship between peer teaching and self-efficacy and between self-efficacy and the quality of real-life pediatric resuscitation should be further explored.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN69038759. Registered December 12th, 2019 – Retrospectively registered.

"Good Catch, Kiddo"-Enhancing Patient Safety in the Pediatric Emergency Department Through Simulation.

Adverse events that affect patient safety are a significant concern in pediatrics. Increasing situational awareness, identifying errors and near misses, and reporting them using organizational incident reporting systems enables mitigation of harm. We designed and tested a brief, interactive, and easily replicable simulation activity for medical students, and emergency medicine interns and pediatric interns to strengthen their skills and enhance their self-efficacy in identifying and reporting patient safety hazards. Hazards fell into the categories of situational safety, patient identification and privacy, infection prevention, treatment errors, and issues with electronic health records (EHRs). The simulation training significantly increased the self-efficacy of medical students and interns in identifying and reporting patient safety hazards. Learners were very satisfied with the simulation training, successfully recognized key patient safety hazards, provided feedback to improve the training, and improved their ability to report hazards through organizational incident reporting systems. Patient safety hazards associated with patient misidentification were recognized most frequently, whereas safety hazards associated with EHRs were missed with the greatest frequency. The simulation training enabled learners to identify hazards and near misses and enhanced their ability to report hazards through organizational incident reporting systems. Learners at all levels of training identified safety hazards at comparable rates, which demonstrates the role that trainees play in critically observing clinical settings with fresh eyes and identifying and reporting patient safety hazards. Interventions to promote patient safety need to prioritize building situational awareness of potential hazards associated with EHR use.

Predictors of information literacy self-efficacy among medical students: PLS-SEM analysis

PurposeThe study was designed to examine the predictors of information literacy self-efficacy skills (IL skills) of medical students.Design/methodology/approachThe study was quantitative in nature and was carried out by using survey research method. Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for medical students (ILSES-M) were used to collect the data. Data was collected randomly from 223 out of 526 undergraduate medical students on proportionally random basis according to the number of students available in each year. PLS-SEM analysis was run with the help of SmartPLS 3.2.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that three subconstructs for emotional intelligence (EI), that is, self-emotions appraisal, others-emotion appraisal, use of emotions, had a statistically significant positive impact (p < 0.05) on information literacy (IL) self-efficacy of the medical students. The findings further confirm that English language proficiency and frequency of attended IL instruction sessions also have a significant positive impact on IL self-efficacy of medical students.Originality/valueThe exploration of EI in relation to IL is comparatively a novel area. The study observed the influence of EI level on IL self-efficacy of medical students. The study will be a significant contribution to the IL literature. The results may help the information professionals/librarians, particularly those who are engaged in teaching and designing IL programs.

Self-Efficacy of Medical Students in Two Schools with Different Education Methodologies (Problem-Basead Learning versus Traditional)

Abstract Introduction: Academic self-efficacy refers to the student’s belief in their ability to organize and perform actions regarding academic activities and demands. In this context, self-efficacy has received great importance in the literature, both for the relevance and the predictive power of the events in the school setting. Students with higher levels of self-efficacy are more likely to succeed in their interventions, as they can more easily test and use their skills. Objective: To evaluate the academic self-efficacy of students in the 4th year of medical school and its correlation with the teaching method (PBL x traditional). Method: This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study carried in two medical schools: one with PBL methodology and another with traditional methodology. A total of 147 4th-year medical students participated in this study, who were divided in two groups, 73 from the school using the PBL methodology and 74 from the school with the traditional methodology. Data collection was carried out by filling out a self-answered questionnaire, containing questions on sociodemographic information and general health aspects, in addition to the Self-efficacy Scale in Higher Education. Result: Students from the school using the PBL methodology had a overall higher mean sum of the highest score (p &lt;0.01) and higher mean score in each domain of the self-efficacy scale when compared to the school using the traditional methodology. The variables female gender, older age, living alone, not using medication for chronic disease and having an extracurricular activity had a positive influence on the mean self-efficacy score in the different scale domains. Conclusion: The 4th-year medical students of the assessed institutions showed moderate to strong self-efficacy. Students from PBL school had higher self-efficacy scores than those using the traditional methodology. These results may indicate that the active learning methodology such as the PBL curriculum may be related to a higher degree of academic self-efficacy. Further studies are required to understand the influence of the curricular model on medical students’ academic self-efficacy.

Self-Efficacy of Medical Students in Two Schools with Different Education Methodologies (Problem-Basead Learning versus Traditional)

Abstract Introduction: Academic self-efficacy refers to the student’s belief in their ability to organize and perform actions regarding academic activities and demands. In this context, self-efficacy has received great importance in the literature, both for the relevance and the predictive power of the events in the school setting. Students with higher levels of self-efficacy are more likely to succeed in their interventions, as they can more easily test and use their skills. Objective: To evaluate the academic self-efficacy of students in the 4th year of medical school and its correlation with the teaching method (PBL x traditional). Method: This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study carried in two medical schools: one with PBL methodology and another with traditional methodology. A total of 147 4th-year medical students participated in this study, who were divided in two groups, 73 from the school using the PBL methodology and 74 from the school with the traditional methodology. Data collection was carried out by filling out a self-answered questionnaire, containing questions on sociodemographic information and general health aspects, in addition to the Self-efficacy Scale in Higher Education. Result: Students from the school using the PBL methodology had a overall higher mean sum of the highest score (p &lt;0.01) and higher mean score in each domain of the self-efficacy scale when compared to the school using the traditional methodology. The variables female gender, older age, living alone, not using medication for chronic disease and having an extracurricular activity had a positive influence on the mean self-efficacy score in the different scale domains. Conclusion: The 4th-year medical students of the assessed institutions showed moderate to strong self-efficacy. Students from PBL school had higher self-efficacy scores than those using the traditional methodology. These results may indicate that the active learning methodology such as the PBL curriculum may be related to a higher degree of academic self-efficacy. Further studies are required to understand the influence of the curricular model on medical students’ academic self-efficacy.

A medical student scholarly concentrations program: scholarly self-efficacy and impact on future research activities

ABSTRACT Background The Scholarly Concentrations program was established at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2009 with the aim of instilling passion for scholarship. Objective Our study aimed to determine whether the Scholarly Concentrations program achieves positive changes in medical student self-efficacy in conducting research and, if so, whether this results in future career aspirations toward scholarship. Design We used the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (CRAI-SF) to assess changes in self-efficacy among students completing the Scholarly Concentrations program between 2014 and 2017. We calculated composite mean scores of six domains. We included outcomes on whether students published a manuscript, overall program perceptions, and likelihood of future research careers. We analyzed relationships between CRAI-SF scores and outcomes using paired t-tests and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Results A total of 419 students completed the Scholarly Concentrations program. All 6 CRAI domain scores showed significant improvements in self-efficacy between the pre-Scholarly Concentrations and post-Scholarly Concentrations ratings (range of changes 0.76–1.39, p < 0.05 for all). We found significant associations between post-Scholarly Concentrations self-efficacy ratings and course satisfaction (adjusted OR 1.57 [95% CI 1.20, 2.07]) and mentor satisfaction (OR 1.46 [1.15, 1.86]), as well as students’ intent to conduct future research (OR 1.46 [1.15, 1.86]). These results were robust to sensitivity analyses, and pronounced in the group of students without prior research experience. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a Scholarly Concentrations program is associated with an increased self-efficacy for research, and these changes in self-efficacy are associated with higher satisfaction in the scholarly experience and increased likelihood of pursuing scholarly work. Other medical schools could use such a tool of self-efficacy to both investigate the overall Scholarly Concentrations experience and understand factors that may increase interest in future physician-scientist pathways.

Brown Bag Simulation to Improve Medication Management in Older Adults.

Medical students must care for aging patients with growing medication lists and need training to address negative patient outcomes associated with polypharmacy. The literature shows that many trainees and practitioners are not confident in their abilities to care for this older population with complex medical conditions. We created an innovative simulation activity to teach safe, effective, and simplified medication management to second-year medical students. We developed the brown bag medication reconciliation simulation to improve self-efficacy and knowledge for trainees working with older adults. The case example was an older patient who presented with his brown bag of medications and prefilled pillbox for a medication reconciliation with his provider. Teams of medical students identified his medication-management errors and determined strategies for resolution. We assessed learner self-efficacy, knowledge, and satisfaction. A class of 137 second-year medical students completed the simulation. The average number of learners confident about medication management in older adults increased overall by 41%, with a significant increase across all four self-efficacy domains (p < .001). The average percentage of correctly answered knowledge questions significantly increased from 85% on the presurvey to 92% on the delayed postsurvey (p = .009). Learner open-ended feedback indicated high satisfaction with the simulation. The brown bag medication reconciliation simulation increased medical student self-efficacy and knowledge related to medication reconciliation and management for older adults. Interactive simulations like this one may be considered for inclusion in health science curricula to improve skills in medication reconciliation and management.

Scale Evaluating the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy of Medical Students Created and Tested in a Six-Year Belgian Medical Program

A Review of:&#x0D; De Meulemeester, A., Buysse, H., &amp; Peleman, R. (2018). Development and validation of an Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for medical students. Journal of Information Literacy, 12(1), 27-47. Retrieved from https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/JIL/article/view/PRA-V12-I1-2&#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Objective – To create and validate a scale evaluating the information literacy (IL) self-efficacy beliefs of medical students.&#x0D; Design – Scale development.&#x0D; Setting – Large, public research university in Belgium.&#x0D; Subjects – 1,252 medical students enrolled in a six-year medical program in the 2013-2014 academic year.&#x0D; Methods – Ten medical-specific IL self-efficacy questions were developed to expand a 28-item Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSES) (Kurbanoglu, Akkoyunlu, &amp; Umay, 2006). Medical students in Years 1 – 5 completed the questionnaire (in English) in the first two weeks of the academic year, with students in Year 6 completing after final exams. Respondents rated their confidence with each item 0 (‘I do not feel confident at all’) to 100 (‘I feel 100% confident’). Principal Axis Factoring analysis was conducted on all 38 items to identify subscales. Responses were found suitable for factor analysis using Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure (KMO). Factors were extracted using the Kaiser-Gutmann rule with Varimax rotation applied. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the internal consistency of each identified subscale. Following a One-way-ANOVA testing for significant differences, a Tamhane T2 post-hoc test obtained a pairwise comparison between mean responses for each student year.&#x0D; Main Results – Five subscales with a total of 35 items were validated for inclusion in the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for Medicine (ILSES-M) and found to have a high reliability (Chronbach’s alpha scores greater than .70). Subscales were labelled by concept, including “Evaluating and Processing Information” (11 items), “Medical Information Literacy Skills” (10 items), “Searching and Finding Information” (6 items), “Using the Library” (4 items), and “Bibliography” (4 items). The factor loading of non-medical subscales closely reflected studies validating the original ILSES (Kurbanoglu, Akkoyunla, &amp; Umay, 2006; Usluel, 2007), suggesting consistency in varying contexts and across time. Although overall subscale means were relatively low, immediate findings among medical students at Ghent University demonstrated an increase in the IL self-efficacy of students as they advance through the 6-year medical program. Students revealed the least confidence in “Using the Library.”&#x0D; Conclusions – The self-efficacy of individuals in approaching IL tasks has an impact on self-motivation and lifelong learning. The authors developed the ILSES-M as part of a longitudinal study protocol appraising the IL self-efficacy beliefs of students in a six-year medical curriculum (De Meulemeester, Peleman, &amp; Buysse, 2018). The ILSES-M “…could give a clear idea about the evolution of perceived IL and the related need for support and training” (p. 43). Further research could evaluate the scale’s impact on curriculum and, conversely, the impact of curricular changes on ILSE. Qualitative research may afford additional context for scale interpretation. The scale may also provide opportunities to assess the confidence levels of incoming students throughout time. The authors suggested further research should apply the ILSES-M in diverse cultural and curricular settings.

Self-efficacy beliefs of medical students: acritical review.

IntroductionSelf-efficacy is a theoretically and empirically robust motivation belief that has been shown to play an important role in the learning and development of new skills and knowledge. In this article, we critically review research on the self-efficacy beliefs of medical students, with a goal to evaluate the existing research and to strengthen future work. In particular, we sought to describe the state of research on medical student self-efficacy and to critically examine the conceptualization and measurement of the construct. Finally, we aimed to provide directions for future self-efficacy research.MethodsWe critically reviewed 74 published articles that included measures of self-efficacy beliefs of medical students.ResultsOur review showed that (a) research on the self-efficacy beliefs of medical students is growing and is becoming increasingly international, and (b) that nearly half (46%) of self-efficacy measures showed conceptual and operational flaws.DiscussionOur critical review of 74 research studies on self-efficacy of medical students found that although research in the field is increasing, nearly half of measures labelled as self-efficacy were incongruent with the conceptual guidelines set by self-efficacy experts. We provide five suggestions for future research on the self-efficacy of medical students.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40037-018-0411-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

IMPROVING MEDICAL EDUCATION: SIMULATING CHANGES IN PATIENT ANATOMY USING DYNAMIC HAPTIC FEEDBACK.

Virtual simulation is an emerging field in medical education. Research suggests that simulation reduces complication rates and improves learning gains for medical residents. One benefit of simulators is their allowance for more realistic and dynamic patient anatomies. While potentially useful throughout medical education, few studies have explored the impact of dynamic haptic simulators on medical training. In light of this research void, this study was developed to examine how a Dynamic-Haptic Robotic Trainer (DHRT) impacts medical student self-efficacy and skill gains compared to traditional simulators developed to train students in Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter (IJ CVC) placement. The study was conducted with 18 third year medical students with no prior CVC insertion experience who underwent a pre-test, simulator training (manikin, robotic, or mixed) and post-test. The results revealed the DHRT as a useful method for training CVC skills and supports further research on dynamic haptic trainers in medical education.

Association between self-efficacy, career interest and rural career intent in Australian medical students with rural clinical school experience

ObjectivesTo investigate medical student's self-efficacy at the time of finishing their rural clinical school (RCS) placement and factors associated with self-efficacy. Secondary aims are to explore whether interest levels or...