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Wan EYF, Li Z, Sun KS, Chan KHY, Cheng WHG, Chen JY, Chin WY, Lam TP, Tipoe GL, Wong GTC, Chan SSC, Lam CLK. Identifying and articulating the student experience in the Intercalated Enrichment Year. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:246. [PMID: 35379229 PMCID: PMC8981939 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03303-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits of intercalation during an undergraduate medical degree are well-recognized. The University of Hong Kong implemented a compulsory Enrichment Year (EY) in its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree programme (MBBS) in 2016. In their third year of study, students could work on an area of interest in any of three programme categories (i) intercalation/ university exchange (IC); (ii) research (RA); (iii) service/ humanitarian work (SH). This study aimed to explore the barriers, enablers, and overall student learning experiences from the first cohort of EY students in order to inform future development of the EY. METHODS An exploratory sequential mixed-method study in 2019-20. Twenty students were purposively selected to attend three semi-structured focus group interviews. Conventional thematic analysis was employed and results assisted the design of a cross-sectional questionnaire. Sixty-three students completed the questionnaire. ANOVA or chi-square test was used to compare the difference in student's characteristics, barriers, enablers and perspectives on EY between programme categories. Adjusting student's characteristics, logistic regressions were conducted to identify the effect of programme categories on the EY experience. RESULTS Most students (95% in the questionnaire) agreed that EY was worthwhile and more rewarding than expected. EY was positively regarded for enhancing personal growth and interpersonal relationships. The main barriers were financial difficulties, scholarship issues and insufficient information beforehand. A few students had practical (i.e. accommodation, cultural adaptation) problems. Potential enablers included better financial support, more efficient information exchange and fewer assignments and preparation tasks. Similar barriers were encountered by students across all three categories of EY activities. CONCLUSIONS Personal growth was the most important benefit of the EY. Barriers were consistent with those identified in the literature except for cultural adaptation, which could be related to Hong Kong's unique historical context. Financial limitation was the most concerning barrier, as it could result in unequal access to educational opportunities. Better and timely access to scholarships and other funding sources need to be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION Ethics approval was obtained from the local Institutional Review Board of The University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster (UW 19-585 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yuk Fai Wan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Zhihao Li
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Sing Sun
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karina Hiu Yen Chan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Will Ho Gi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julie Yun Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weng Yee Chin
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George Lim Tipoe
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gordon Tin Chun Wong
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sarah So Ching Chan
- Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cindy Lo Kuen Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Foerster A, Meadows G. How useful is a six month research option for trainee psychiatrists? PSYCHIATRIC BULLETIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/pb.13.6.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Shiwach & Murray (1986) have outlined why research experience is desirable for trainee psychiatrists. The majority will use their experience to gain a better understanding of publications in professional journals; however, only a minority will become full-time researchers. Although most trainees have a positive attitude to research (Davidson & Abou-Saleh, 1987; Burford, 1987) only a few manage to complete a project before the second part of the Membership examination (Kendell, 1984; Davidson & Abou-Saleh, 1987; Burford, 1987). Kendell has highlighted some of the difficulties encountered on the Edinburgh MPhil degree course. He fears that “rising standards of the College's Membership examination” might deter even some of the more determined registrars to take on an extra commitment while preparing for the MRCPsych examination.
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Jones M, Hutt P, Eastwood S, Singh S. Impact of an intercalated BSc on medical student performance and careers: a BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 28. MEDICAL TEACHER 2013; 35:e1493-510. [PMID: 23962229 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2013.806983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intercalated BScs (iBScs) are an optional part of undergraduate (UG) medicine courses in UK, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, Hong Kong, South Africa and Canada, consisting of advanced study into a particular field of medicine, often combined with research. They potentially improve students' skills and allow exploration of specific areas of interest. They are, however, expensive for institutions and students and delay workforce entry. There is conflicting evidence about their impact. METHODS A mixed-method systematic review (meta-analysis and critical interpretive synthesis) of the biomedical and educational literature, focusing on the impact of iBScs on UG performance, skills, and career choice, and to explore students' and other stakeholders' opinions about iBScs. RESULTS In the meta-analytic part of this review, we identified five studies which met our predetermined quality criteria. For UG performance, two studies using different methodologies report an improvement in UG performance; one study reported an Odds Ratio [OR] of 3.58 [95% CI 1.47-8.83] and the second reported a significant improvement in finals scores (1.27 points advantage 95% CI 0.52-2.02). One study reported a mixed result, while two studies showed no improvement. Regarding skills and attitudes, one paper suggested iBScs lead to the development of deeper learning styles. With regard to subsequent careers, two studies suggested that for those students undertaking an iBSc there is an increased chance following an academic career [ORs of 3.6 (2.3-5.8) to 5.94 (3.6-11.5)]. Seven of eight studies (with broader selection criteria) reported that iBSc students were less likely to pursue GP careers (ORs no effect to 0.17 [0.07-0.36]). Meta-analysis of the data was not possible. In the critical interpretative synthesis analysis, we identified 46 articles, from which three themes emerged; firstly, the decision to undertake an iBSc, with students receiving conflicting advice; secondly, the educational experience, with intellectual growth balanced against financial costs; finally, the ramifications of the iBSc, including some suggestion of improved employment prospects and the potential to nurture qualities that make "better" doctors. CONCLUSION Intercalated BScs may improve UG performance and increase the likelihood of pursuing academic careers, and are associated with a reduced likelihood of following a GP career. They help students to develop reflexivity and key skills, such as a better understanding of critical appraisal and research. The decision to undertake an iBSc is contentious; students feel ill-informed about the benefits. These findings could have implications for a variety of international enrichment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvyn Jones
- University College London Medical School , London , UK
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