What medical students think about measurement of their wellbeing and the implications for pastoral support: cross sectional survey and qualitative interviews

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo find out how, why and when medical students think wellbeing should be measured.DesignA mixed methods study comprising a cross-sectional online survey (November 2020-March 2021) and semi-structured on-line interviews. Views on the frequency of availability for measurement, the format, type and purpose of measurement, and with whom wellbeing should be discussed were measured. When an outcome was scored 7-9 on a 9-point Likert scale of agreement by ≥75% of participants it was considered critical, in line with COMET and GRADE processes for rating recommendations. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken on the interview transcripts by two independent researchers.SettingAll Medicine programmes at University of Southampton.ParticipantsMedical students from all years took part in the survey (n=118) and interviews (n=16).ResultsParticipant demographics were similar to national medical student demographics. Most participants (94%) felt able to give 5 minutes to measure their wellbeing at least once a month. No single format of measurement was rated critical. Research, governance and individual feedback all reached the 75% threshold for the purpose being considered critically important. Only subjective assessments undertaken by the individual in real-time were rated as critically important (78.1%) measurement tools. Students selected that they would discuss their wellbeing with other medical students (n=87) nearly as often as they selected a member of the Faculty (n=104). Top determinants of wellbeing picked by medical students were energy, ability to do activities of daily living, and negative feelings. Five interview themes further explained these findings.ConclusionsFive recommendations about self-care teaching, quality-assured pastoral and peer support, proactive wellbeing check-ins and demographic data are discussed in light of these findings. Methods to achieve them are suggested, which are medical student-centred, and which make use of existing resources.Strengths and limitations of this studyThis study provides new information on how, why and when medical students think their wellbeing should be measured.A mixed methods approach allowed the reasons behind the survey answers to be captured in ensuing interviews.Using the ≥75% a prior cut off for critical importance from COMET and GRADE allowed evidence-based recommendations for wellbeing measurement for medical students.It was not possible to recruit the number of students needed to make national inferences, although participant demographics were similar to national medical student demographics.A national cross-sectional survey would provide further evidence for medical schools in devising wellbeing provisions.