Challenges for Graduating Medical Students in House-Officership

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Anticipated Difficulties in House-Officership for Graduating Medical Students of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam, Mohd. Najib Mohd. Alwi, Ghazaime Ghazali, Siti Zaleha Abdul Rahim


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Anticipated Difficulties in House-Officership for Graduating Medical Students of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Year: 2000

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study aimed to identify perceived stressors among newly graduated medical students as they transition into their house-officership period. A questionnaire was administered during a one-day course for graduates of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), focusing on potential problem areas related to practical and theoretical skills, communication challenges, responsibilities as doctors, preparation for the house-officership, and handling stress. Results indicated that communication issues were the predominant concern, overshadowing other aspects such as responsibilities and work conditions, which students rated as less problematic.

Communication Skills as a Critical Concern

Communication skills emerged as the most significant area of concern among the graduates, with students rating various aspects of patient and colleague interactions highly. The highest-rated concern in the communication category was the ability to interact effectively with patients, highlighting the importance of doctor-patient communication training in undergraduate medical education. Conversely, the graduates did not perceive responsibilities—such as the potential consequences of patient care decisions—as major stressors, which contrasts with findings from other studies. This suggests a unique perspective held by the USM students regarding their confidence in handling responsibilities and emphasizes the need for continued focus on communication skill development.

Conclusion

The findings from this study highlight the necessity of enhancing communication training within undergraduate medical curricula, as students recognized this as a primary stressor despite training exposure. Moreover, the general lack of concerns regarding responsibilities and work-related stress challenges the assumptions about the anxieties faced by new medical professionals. Further investigations are recommended to validate these insights and understand the evolving nature of stressors experienced during house-officership. A detailed task analysis of house-officership can also provide valuable guidance for curriculum planners, ensuring that students are better prepared for the realities of their medical careers.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What were the main concerns of newly graduated medical students?

The main concerns identified were related to communication issues, particularly interaction with patients and colleagues. Students expressed uncertainty about their readiness for the house-officership period, highlighting the importance of training in communication skills.

How did students perceive their responsibilities as new doctors?

Surprisingly, the students did not view issues related to their responsibilities, such as making life-and-death decisions or being leaders, as areas of concern. This contrasts with findings from other studies, indicating a possible difference in perceptions.

What did students think about the exploration of stressful work conditions?

While students did rate potential stressful working conditions, they perceived them as less concerning compared to communication issues. It implies a possible focus on emotional and psychological aspects rather than just the workload itself.

What recommendations were made for medical education based on the study?

The study suggested prioritizing communication skills in undergraduate training and providing more information about house-officership. Further research is needed to confirm the strengths of the curriculum and to perform a detailed task-analysis of the house-officership period.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Challenges for Graduating Medical Students in House-Officership”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) House:
In the context of medical training, 'house' refers to house-officership, which is a critical period for newly graduated medical students as they transition into professional practice. It encompasses the responsibilities and challenges faced by medical practitioners, serving as a vital phase for developing clinical skills, communication, and understanding work dynamics in healthcare settings.

2) Study (Studying):
'Study' signifies the systematic inquiry conducted in the questionnaire aimed at assessing the perceived stressors and problem areas faced by newly graduated medical students. This research is essential for identifying educational gaps and areas needing enhancement within medical curricula, ultimately supporting curriculum revision and better preparation for future practitioners.

3) Learning:
'Learning' denotes the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies which is fundamentally important for medical students during their education and subsequent house-officership. It reflects the emphasis on self-directed learning and resourcefulness in seeking additional educational opportunities to address gaps in understanding and practical abilities.

4) Training:
'Training' highlights the structured educational processes medical students undergo to gain the necessary skills and knowledge in medicine. It encompasses both theoretical and practical components, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, clinical competencies, and the ability to handle stress, ultimately impacting the quality of care provided to patients.

5) Reason:
'Reason' represents the justification or rationale for conducting the study, particularly focusing on understanding the perceived stressors for graduates entering house-officership. Recognizing these reasons allows for informed curriculum revisions that contribute to better preparedness for the realities of medical practice and enhance overall student well-being.

6) Death:
'Death' is a serious concern identified in the study related to the responsibilities of medical practitioners. It highlights the emotional and practical implications of handling life-and-death situations, which can be significant stressors for newly graduated doctors as they confront their roles in patient care and decision-making.

7) Education:
'Education' refers to the formal process of learning and instruction within the medical field. It emphasizes the importance of preparing students for clinical practice and addressing challenges they may face, ensuring that educational programs provide students with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of patient care and the healthcare environment.

8) Medicine:
'Medicine' signifies the field of science and practice that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. The study addresses the educational experience of medical students, emphasizing the integration of practical skills and communication competencies crucial for effective practice in the medical profession.

9) Quality:
'Quality' denotes the standard of education and training medical students receive that ultimately impacts their readiness for professional practice. The study seeks to examine perceived weaknesses in training, particularly in communication and readiness for the house-officership, to ensure that future graduates can provide high-quality patient care.

10) Science (Scientific):
'Science' relates to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of medical education, it underscores the importance of evidence-based practices and the scientific foundation underlying medical knowledge, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care.

11) Table:
'Table' refers to the visual representation of data compiled from the study, summarizing the mean ratings of various problem areas perceived by students. Tables are crucial in research as they facilitate easy interpretation and comparison of data, highlighting areas of concern that require attention in medical education.

12) Practising (Practicing):
'Practising' indicates the application of acquired knowledge and skills in real-world medical settings. It underscores the importance of hands-on experience and training during house-officership, where graduates transition from theoretical learning to patient care, facing practical challenges that demand proficient clinical competencies and effective communication strategies.

13) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' encompasses the information, understanding, and skills obtained through education, crucial for medical professionals. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive medical knowledge and communication skills that directly impact the ability to assess and manage patient conditions effectively, influencing the overall quality of care provided.

14) Teaching:
'Teaching' refers to the educational methods and practices used to impart knowledge and skills to medical students. Effective teaching is essential in equipping students with the necessary competencies needed for clinical practice. The study highlights the importance of communication skills training in addressing students' concerns and enhancing their educational experience.

15) Disease:
'Disease' signifies the various health conditions and illnesses that medical practitioners are responsible for diagnosing and managing. Understanding diseases and their complexities is vital for medical students, as it relates to their learning and preparation for practical challenges they will face during their house-officership and beyond.

16) Dealing:
'Dealing' refers to the management and handling of various challenges and stressors that medical practitioners encounter in their practice. The study emphasizes coping with communication issues, responsibilities, and the emotional burdens associated with patient care, outlining the need for support systems and training to better prepare graduates.

17) Nature:
'Nature' relates to the inherent characteristics and complexities of the medical profession, including the variability of experiences faced by students and practitioners. The study explores the nature of stressors associated with house-officership, aiming to identify specific areas for improvement within the curriculum and support for graduates.

18) Male (Mālē):
'Male' denotes one aspect of the demographic data collected in the study, highlighting the gender distribution among the surveyed medical students. Understanding the gender composition can provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of different groups within medical education, contributing to tailored support and training approaches.

19) Fear:
'Fear' represents the emotional response and anxiety related to anticipated challenges in medical practice, particularly concerning responsibility and patient outcomes. The study investigates perceived fears among medical graduates to aid in curriculum design, ensuring that students are equipped to manage the psychological demands of their profession.

20) Patu (Paṭu, Pāṭū):
'Padu' refers to the Medical Alumni Association mentioned as a contributor to the organization of the workshop for students. It signifies the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and alumni associations to bridge the gap between education and practical experiences, facilitating support for graduates as they transition to professional roles.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Challenges for Graduating Medical Students in House-Officership’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

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