Improving the transition from medical student to junior doctor: a one-month course in the final year of medical school

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Concern exists that the transition from student to doctor is abrupt and stressful, with new graduates lacking both clinical skills and confidence. This study explores the effect a preparation programme can have on the confidence and skills of final year medical students (FYMSs), prior to commencing their first clinical post. Foundation year one (FY1) doctors were surveyed on challenges they faced when commencing clinical work. Findings were used to design a practical, four-week, eight lecture course, aimed at preparing final year medical students for work. Questionnaires and focus groups were used to establish pre- and post-course concerns.Amongst FY1 doctors (n=105) the predominant concern was the diagnosis and management of unwell patients (66.7%). Medical students expressed similar fears (80.85%). On average each session significantly improved confidence levels by 25.3% (95% CI: 23.27-27.12%, p<0.01). Sessions on prescribing and palliative care showed greatest confidence improvement (31.1% and 29.4% respectively).This programme supports the transition from medical student to practising doctor, and was found to be useful and effective at building student confidence through practical advice from current FY1 doctors to the next generation of junior doctors. It remains unclear as to when (within the year) this course would be most beneficially placed.