Medical students with performance difficulties need wide support: Initial results of an academic tutoring program

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course. RESULTS: In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship). CONCLUSIONS: The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

Academic Difficulties Among Medical Students at Jazan University: A Case–Control Study

“…Financial factors, such as family income and insufficient money for the student fees or to buy their college supplies, are recognized contributing factors to academic difficulties. 1 , 7 , 18 However, many studies in Saudi Arabia including this study found no significant relationship between these financial factors and academic performance. 14 This may be explained by the fact that Saudi Arabia is a rich country, University studies are free of charge and all students in Saudi government universities receive a monthly allowance from the government.…”

“…It is well recognized that living in remote places and a long daily trip to reach the college contributes to performance difficulties faced by some students. 1 , 14 …”

“…Identification of potential causes of academic difficulties and unsatisfactory student performance is essential for any educational institution to ensure production of safe medical practitioners 1 and for the wellbeing and future prospects of the students themselves.…”

“…However, academic performance is affected by many factors like psychological, social, personal, and environmental factors. 1 , 2 While these factors strongly influence the performance of the students, they are very different across nations and individuals. Some factors associated with poor academic performance are inadequate learning skills, difficulty in managing study load and socioeconomic difficulties.…”

“…Some factors associated with poor academic performance are inadequate learning skills, difficulty in managing study load and socioeconomic difficulties. 1–3 Psychological problems such as stress, depression, and anxiety are also linked to poor academic performance, 1 , 2 , 4 as well as sleep disturbances. 5 , 6 Often these factors are non-academic in nature, 7 although inconsistencies exist between different studies.…”