Creating a Simulated On-Call Scenario to Measure Stress and Improve Confidence in Medical Students

AimsPrevious literature has reported that medical students are objectively and subjectively more stressed than the general population. The transition between medical school and commencing a career as a foundation doctor can cause a significant amount of stress. The first aim was to investigate stress and anxiety and how this may impact performance, with the aim being to better understand stress in medical students about to embark on a career as a doctor. The second aim was to create a simulated 1-1 on-call shift scenario to allow final year medical students to practice the skills and improve confidence.Methods16 final year medical students from two UK medical universities took part in a simulated on-call scenario acting as the foundation year 1 doctor. During the scenario, participants were scored on their performance. Fitbits measured heart rate data as an objective measure of stress. Subjective data was collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). They were asked a series of questions regarding their confidence before and after the scenario.ResultsParticipants reported higher states of anxiety after the on-call simulation compared with a regular day on placement (t=-6.93, p