Personal Pre-Posting Preview by Clinical Students

Abstract

Background: Clinical posting is integral in medical schools. Preparations made prior to commencement of posting directly influence outcome. Hence, the need to study the effects of personal pre-posting preview (PPP) by clinical students.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to senior surgery posting students at commencement, mid-way and completion of the posting to assess their knowledge, practice and outcome of PPP. The questionnaire administered at the end of the study had an additional section for objective assessment of the general outcome of the posting. Data collected were analysed as frequencies and proportions. Some results were presented as charts where applicable.

Results: Forty-nine students were involved, 7 (14.3%) had formal knowledge of PPP but only 2 (4.1%) practised it. Albeit, 25 (51.0%) had outlined personal objectives prior to previous posting but only 10 of them (40%) were up to standard. For the previous clinical posting, 2 (4.1%) indicated very satisfactory, 10 (20.4%) indicated satisfactory, 15 (30.6%) indicated average and 22 (44.9%) indicated not significant regarding the basic knowledge and skills expected to acquire in the posting.

Assessment midway into the surgery posting, after adequate enlightenment on PPP, showed 36 (73.5%) very satisfactory, 6 (12.2%) satisfactory, 5 (10.2%) average and 2 (4.1%) not significant responses regarding the effectiveness of completed posting in meeting pre-set objectives. Also, 22 (44.9%) had a full understanding of basic knowledge and skills expected to acquire in their next posting unit.

General outcome at the end of the surgery posting showed 17 (34.7%) very good, 12 (24.5%) good, 12 (24.5%) average and 8 (16.3%) poor.

Conclusion: The improvement in clinical posting observed in the study demands that PPP be popularized among clinical students.