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Analysis of anxiety on early clinical encounters: Experiences using clinical simulation in undergraduate students

Abstract:

Introduction: The first clinical encounters trigger strong feelings and emotions in medical students, when facing complex illnesses, and by feelings of guilt of «using patients’ sufferings» for their learning purposes. Clinical simulation offers them an opportunity for experiencing anxiety in a safe environment prior to being involved in the hospital. The objective of this work was to assess the level of anxiety in the first clinical encounters through clinical simulation experiences in undergraduate students. Material and methods: We used the Inventory of Anxiety in Clinical Simulation Scenarios in a sample of 49 students. This instrument is made up of 25 items grouped into 7 factors. ANOVA test was considered to evaluate the trends by factor, for the analysis of the data. Results: We found an average of 2.67. In considering the gender as a factor, significant difference was obtained by using ANOVA (P = 0.016). The results of trends by factor show significant differences in corporal expressions (P = 0.003), concern about how others perceive me (P = 0.007) and worries about self-image (P = 0.019). Discussion: Assessment is of great value in medical school programs, where it becomes one of the vital elements in designing each activity developed throughout the career. Anxiety is present along the training program, having a positive or negative impact on student learning and performance, according to the way it is handled. Assessing knowledge and skills is imperative, therefore both anxiety and assessment go hand in hand. Different types of assessment can generate different levels and manifestations of anxiety in students.