Description
BackgroundIn April 2020, the Student Support Network was established for faculty across the 23 medical schools in Australia and New Zealand. It was realised as a key initiative as we traversed the unprecedented times of the pandemic to ensure those who supported students were also cared for.
Summary of work
The scheduling of meetings and management of the communication platform were supported by Medical Deans which is the peak body representing professional entry-level medical education, training and research. During our first online meeting it was realised that there was commonality of concerns across our student cohorts, to prioritise and ensure timely collaboration it was agreed to meet weekly and to conduct a survey.
Summary of results
Within 3 days of promoting the survey; there was a 70% response rate, key areas to address
1) ascertain the key student concerns that were being reported,
2) the range of strategies now in place to address student concerns and
3) how Medical Deans might assist student support leads in the schools?
Discussion and conclusion
Over a period of 8 months the network met every week and were able to share resources and navigate the issues that faced their students and address the matters raised within the survey with united dedication and willingness to share and be collaborative. One colleague stated that the “more transparency we have for our students and clear practical direction, the lower the stress levels for them. The same for all staff”.
Take home messages
It was imperative during the crisis to have a peer support network, a community of practice. This session will highlight the benefits of a network that continues to meet every 3 weeks and share best practices and contribute to and make recommendations to Medical Deans
Additional information
Short communication - pre-recorded video| Period | 27 Aug 2021 → 30 Aug 2021 |
|---|---|
| Event title | An international Association for Medical Education (AMEE) 2021: AMEE 2021: A Virtual Conference 27-30th August 2021 'Leaving no one behind...' |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Glasgow, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |