Student’s confidence in mental health practice before and after psychiatry rotation: a follow up study

• Published in: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria 2021-09, Vol.70 (3), p.245-252
• Main Authors: Rocha Neto, Helio G. da, Lamberte, Clara R. de A., Miranda, Bianca Baptistella de, Cavalcanti, Maria Tavares, Correia, Diogo Telles
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: boarding school; community psychiatry; Medical students; PSYCHIATRY; self-confidence; tutoring
• ISSN: 0047-2085; 1982-0208; 1982-0208
• DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000332

ABSTRACT Objectives The primary objective was to measure the effect of psychiatry rotation in students self-confidence (SC) for managing mental health (MH) issues. Methods An eighteen questions version of “Preparation for Hospital Practice Questionnaire” (PHPQ) adapted for MH was applied before, after and six months later the psychiatry rotation. Sociodemographic and experience with mental illness was measured as confounding factors. Results Hundred and ten students were recruited and four factors were identified: “Diagnosis elaboration and basic care” (F1), “Crisis management and prevention” (F2), “External sickness determinants” (F3) and “Personal distress with clinics” (F4). Cronbach Alpha ranged from 0.71 to 0.90. Previous MH training were not frequent (9.09%), and associated with better SC in F2 (after p < 0.05, 6m p = 0.03). Previous mental disorder was frequent (42.16%), and associated with more SC on F2 (p < 0.01) and F3 (p = 0.03) before course, but only on F3 after (p < 0.01) and not 6 months later. Male gender had more SC in F4 (p < 0.01) before course, but after course and 6m later female gender became more SC in F1 (after p = 0.02, 6m p = 0.01) and equivalent in F4. All factors had higher scores after and 6 months later (p < 0.001). The class considered that an interview script is very important for their SC, and improves assistance (mean > 9.0/10.0). Conclusion Obligatory rotation in MH improved SC in students. Previous training and gender were related with long lasting effects in SC. RESUMO Objetivos Avaliar os efeitos de empoderamento do internato em saúde mental (SM) na autoconfiança (AC) dos alunos de Medicina. Métodos Uma versão adaptada para a saúde mental do “Questionário de Preparação para Prática Hospitalar” foi aplicada antes, depois e seis meses após o internato. Resultados Cento e dez alunos participaram e quatro fatores foram extraídos: “Elaboração diagnóstica e cuidados básicos” (F1), “Gestão e prevenção de crise” (F2), “Determinantes externos de adoecimento” (F3) e “Sofrimento pessoal com a clínica” (F4). Treinamento prévio em SM é incomum (9,09%), mas foi associado com pontuações mais altas em F2 (p = 0,05 e 6m p = 0,03). Tratamento prévio em SM (42,16% dos alunos) foi associado a valores mais altos em F2 (p < 0,01) e F3 (p = 0,03) antes, mas apenas em F3 (p < 0,01) após o curso. O gênero masculino apresentou valores mais positivos que o feminino em F4 (p < 0,01) antes, mas não após o curso, quando apresentaram valores mais ba