Affiliations 

  • 1 Medical Education Department, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. m.wadi@qu.edu.sa
  • 2 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. ashorbagi@sharjah.ac.ae
  • 3 Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
  • 4 College of Medicine and Medical Education Center, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
  • 5 Medical Education Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
BMC Med Educ, 2024 May 07;24(1):506.
PMID: 38715022 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05444-9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Medical students face significant psychological stress, impacting their academic performance and well-being. The Systematic Assessment for Resilience (SAR) framework is designed to enhance resilience and mitigate stress among medical students, addressing the need for interventions within the assessment system in medical education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of SAR framework on medical students' resilience, anxiety, depression, burnout, and academic stress.

METHODS: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-testing. It involved the training of course coordinators in implementing the SAR framework and its integration into the daily learning activities. Fourth-year medical students were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measures of resilience, anxiety, depression, burnout, and academic stress. Data were analyzed using quantitative methods and thematic analysis for qualitative feedback.

RESULTS: Post-intervention, students demonstrated a significant increase in resilience scores (p  0.05). Qualitative feedback of the course coordinators highlighted an improved learning environment, increased coping strategies, and a more supportive academic culture.

CONCLUSION: The SAR framework significantly contributes to enhancing medical students' resilience and reducing psychological distress. Its implementation suggests a promising approach to fostering a supportive educational environment that not only addresses the psychological challenges faced by medical students but also enhances their academic performance and overall well-being. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impacts of SAR across different medical education contexts.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.