Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
BMC Psychol. 2024 Mar 28;12(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-01618-8.
Medical students face challenges to their mental wellbeing and have a high prevalence of mental health problems. During training, they are expected to develop strategies for dealing with stress. This study investigated factors medical students perceived as draining and replenishing during COVID-19, using the 'coping reservoir' model of wellbeing.
In synchronous interactive pre-recorded webinars, 78 fourth-year medical students in the UK responded to reflective prompts. Participants wrote open-text comments on a Padlet site. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Analysis identified five themes. COVID-19 exacerbated academic pressures, while reducing the strategies available to cope with stress. Relational connections with family and friends were affected by the pandemic, leading to isolation and reliance on housemates for informal support. Relationships with patients were adversely affected by masks and telephone consultations, however attending placement was protective for some students' wellbeing. Experiences of formal support were generally positive, but some students experienced attitudinal and practical barriers.
This study used a novel methodology to elicit medical students' reflections on their mental wellbeing during COVID-19. Our findings reinforce and extend the 'coping reservoir' model, increasing our understanding of factors that contribute to resilience or burnout. Many stressors that medical students typically face were exacerbated during COVID-19, and their access to coping strategies and support were restricted. The changes to relationships with family, friends, patients, and staff resulted in reduced support and isolation. Recognising the importance of relational connections upon medical students' mental wellbeing can inform future support.
医学生的心理健康面临挑战，心理健康问题的发生率很高。在培训期间，他们需要发展应对压力的策略。本研究使用“应对资源库”模型，调查了医学生在 COVID-19 期间认为会消耗和补充精力的因素。
在英国，78 名四年级医学生通过同步互动预录制网络研讨会对反射提示做出回应。参与者在 Padlet 网站上写了开放性文本评论。使用反思性主题分析对回复进行分析。
分析确定了五个主题。COVID-19 加剧了学业压力，同时减少了应对压力的策略。与家人和朋友的关系受到疫情的影响，导致孤立和依赖室友获得非正式支持。与患者的关系因口罩和电话咨询而受到不利影响，但对一些学生的幸福感来说，参加实习是一种保护。对正式支持的体验通常是积极的，但有些学生遇到了态度和实际障碍。
本研究使用一种新颖的方法来了解医学生在 COVID-19 期间的心理健康状况。我们的研究结果强化和扩展了“应对资源库”模型，增加了我们对有助于恢复力或倦怠的因素的理解。许多医学生通常面临的压力源在 COVID-19 期间加剧，他们获得应对策略和支持的机会受到限制。与家人、朋友、患者和工作人员的关系发生变化，导致支持减少和孤立。认识到人际关系对医学生心理健康的重要性，可以为未来的支持提供信息。
