A Family Day program enhances knowledge about medical school culture and necessary supports

BACKGROUND: A Family Day program was implemented at Indiana University School of Medicine to educate the families and friends of in-coming medical students about the rigors of medical school and the factors that contribute to stress. METHODS: Surveys that assessed knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Bell, Mary A, Smith, Paula S, Brokaw, James J, Cushing, Herbert E
Formato: Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: BioMed Central 2004
Materias:
Research Article
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC385242/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15070413
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-4-3
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: A Family Day program was implemented at Indiana University School of Medicine to educate the families and friends of in-coming medical students about the rigors of medical school and the factors that contribute to stress. METHODS: Surveys that assessed knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about medical school were administered to participants before and after the program. RESULTS: After the program, participants showed a significant improvement in their understanding of medical school culture and the importance of support systems for medical students. Post-test scores improved by an average of 29% (P < 0.001) in each of the two years this program was administered. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of family members and other loved ones in pre-matriculation educational programs may serve to mitigate the stress associated with medical school by enhancing the students' social support systems.

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