Exploring well-being: medical students and staff.

BACKGROUND

Mental illness in young people is a major public health challenge, with a higher prevalence amongst medical students. This study explores the perspectives of both students and staff in relation to the provision of well-being support within one medical school in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

A total of 17 second-year medical students and five members of academic and well-being staff at Liverpool Medical School participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Staff and students were asked for their views on existing support services, exploring challenges and ideas for development. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically to identify common themes amongst both students and staff.

RESULTS

Students wanted to have more obvious support during their transition from sixth form to undergraduate studies. Perceived stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent students seeking help over concerns this might have upon academic progress. Staff reported concerns that student expectations did not always match with what could realistically be provided by the medical school well-being service.

DISCUSSION

The provision of opportunities for students to 'check-in' with staff, and the introduction of well-being topics within the curriculum, were perceived by students and staff as being of potential benefit to the mental health of students. Such interventions may also help to build rapport and encourage students to engage with medical school support services. All well-being support services are increasingly in demand amongst medical students, showing a need for them to expand and well-being to be further incorporated into the course.