Attitude of Medical Students About Their Role and Social Accountability in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to explore the attitude of medical students toward their role and social accountability in this pandemic era. An online survey was developed to elicit information on (1) the role of medical students in the pandemic era; (2) Medical education in the “new normal,” and (3) the impact of COVID-19 on medical students.Methods: The online survey, developed by a team consisting of three medical students, three psychiatry residents, and three professors of psychiatry, was conducted on 574 participants (213 medical students, 180 graduates, and 181 professors) in the University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Anxiety symptom rating scales, including the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder−7 (GAD-7) scale, were applied to measure participant anxiety level.Results: Medical students indicated their willingness to join the healthcare response to the COVID-19 pandemic, if requested; however, graduates and professors recommended that medical students continue their training rather than join the pandemic healthcare response. In the new normal era, medical education has had to change appropriately. Moreover, adequate knowledge of COVID-19 infection and spread must be considered for the continuation of clinical clerkships during the pandemic. Overall, medical students who indicated anxiety about treating possible or confirmed cases of COVID-19 rated higher on the SAVE-6 scale. Finally, medical students who reported that COVID-19 had an impact on their studies and daily life rated higher on the general anxiety scale (GAD-7).Conclusion: Social accountability is an important issue for medical students in the pandemic era. At the same time, non-disruption of their academic calendar would ensure continuous availability of component medical professionals, which is important for adequate future healthcare responses.

After the Pandemic: The Future of Italian Medicine. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Medical and Other Healthcare-Related Degrees Students

“…In our study, students reported that they were quite ready to fight the pandemic. This appears consistent with other studies in other national contexts, in which students indicated their willingness to join the healthcare response to the COVID-19 pandemic ( Hong et al, 2021 ).…”

Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 for Medical Students: Psychometric Properties of the Anxiety Measure for the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Although virtual classes were introduced as a part of social distancing, due to the nature of medical education, medical students were scheduled to meet for on-site education in venues like laboratory classes in basic medicine, clinical clerkship in training hospitals, and medical licensing examinations ( 4 ). Medical students are on the cusp of becoming medical experts as they are not yet certified medical professionals but are still trainees in the field ( 5 ). They may feel the responsibility of being medical experts, in spite of inadequate medical practice.…”

Tiny Habits® for Gratitude-Implications for Healthcare Education Stakeholders

“…Due to the threats and demands of the COVID pandemic, for example, many health professionals have reported diminished sleep and increased stress, anxiety, and burnout ( 1 – 14 ), and similar negative effects have been seen in health professions students ( 15 – 20 ). These effects may limit the time and physical or mental resources available to regularly engage in new behaviors (e.g., start an exercise routine, meditate, go to bed earlier) that could help promote well-being and resilience.…”

“…The result for many has been diminished sleep and increased stress, anxiety, and burnout ( 1 – 14 ). Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the requisite shifts from in-person to online learning, and the resulting decrease in social support and interaction, similar negative effects have been seen in health professions students ( 15 – 20 ). In addition to the negative impact of these stressors on health professionals, there are negative implications for patient safety as well ( 21 ).…”