Not another ice-breaker… Developing an innovative induction programme for medical students on clinical placements
by Zoe Brown
Poster Download
Background
The GMC states that induction is required for every clinical placement medical students undertake.1 Study in this area of medical education is important due to the potential impact on students’ behaviour, conduct, wellbeing and sense of belonging early on in their medical careers.
Aim
The aim of this project was to develop an innovative induction programme focusing on student needs when starting placements in new hospitals, and evaluate its impact on student perception of induction.
Method
A learner-centred induction programme was developed, including breakout small group sessions on human factors, team building and learning in the clinical environment. A pilot programme was delivered in September 2018 and sessions modified according to feedback. The full programme was delivered in January 2019, with 25 third-year University of Bristol medical students starting placements at Gloucestershire Academy.
Pre and post induction questionnaires were distributed to determine knowledge, attitude and opinions on the value of induction.
Results
The results were very positive; the amount of students who found induction useful tripled after receiving our programme.
Conclusion
Transforming induction based on the data collected has the potential to immediately change students’ practice, but also their practice as doctors in future. Getting this right early on could therefore ultimately improve patient care.
Next steps
We aim to follow up with students in future to see if the induction programme has been beneficial outside of the classroom, and results will inform further development of general induction programmes for medical students.