The learning environment and medical student burnout: a multicentre study

Abstract

Although a complex array of personal and professional factors influence student well-being, student satisfaction with specific characteristics of the learning environment appears to be a critical factor. Studies determining how to create a learning environment that cultivates student well-being are needed.

Trustingly bewildered. How first-year medical students make sense of their learning experience in a traditional, preclinical curriculum

“…A learning environment lacking personal supervision and guidance is a risk factor for mental health problems, such as burnout and depression [25,43,44]. A recent meta-analysis indicates that more than 50% of medical students have burnout symptoms [28].…”

Enhancing the Medical School Learning Environment: A Complex Challenge

“…Features of the learning environment such as a low level of faculty support, a noncollaborative environment, cynical residents, poorly organized rotations, and inadequate supervision by residents are all independently related to student burnout. 4 The imperative to reduce student burnout and enhance wellbeing among trainees is great. Our society invests a great deal in medical education, and it demands much from students in return.…”

“…Compared to 61 % in 2009, 8 this decrease in night experiences during internal medicine rotations raises important questions about the preparation of students for internship where most will be required to rotate on night float services to respond o emergencies and crosscover significant numbers of patients. While the literature shows that rotations requiring overnight call are associated with burnout, 4 there is little by way of evidence to support that night experiences, in and of themselves, result in decreased wellness. The findings of this study highlight three important needs: first, clarification regarding the distinct learning that happens during night shifts is needed both from the perspective of students as well as residents; second, education leaders would benefit from considering the key competencies that may be achieved through such experiences in an effort to prepare students for residency; third, optimizing learning during night shifts will require innovative teaching approaches given limited staff and time pressures faced by trainees.…”

Burnout in Portuguese Medical Students: Coping Strategies as a Mediating Variable

“…Some studies suggest a relation between positive personal events and low burnout levels, however the opposite is not true [31]. A link between a low perceived control and high burnout levels has also been suggested [32].…”