Explore the profound impact of volunteering on medical students’ perspectives, as revealed in a new qualitative study focusing on those aiding Ukrainian refugees. This compelling research not only sheds light on the transformative experiences of these students but also contributes to the broader discourse on the role of medical education in fostering empathy and resilience.
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“I Didn’t Expect to Be So Caught Up in It”: a Qualitative Study of Experiences of Medical Students’ Volunteering for Ukrainian Refugees.
Motlová et al., Acad Psychiatry 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s40596-023-01903-5
New Information: A study explored the professional experiences, emotional challenges, and coping strategies of medical students volunteering at an infirmary for Ukrainian refugees in Prague’s Central Station.
Importance: This research provides insight into the emotional challenges faced by medical students in crisis situations and their coping mechanisms, highlighting the need for specific training in medical curricula.
Contribution to Literature: This study contributes to the understanding of the psychological impact of crisis situations on medical students and the importance of trauma-informed education.
Results:
- Five emotionally challenging situations were identified: caring for traumatized refugees, refusal of treatment, disruption of everyday life, independent decision-making, and complexity of voluntary work.
- Students used both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to deal with stress and trauma.
- Nearly 50% of students showed signs of secondary traumatization and moral distress, but none sought psychological help.
Recommendation: Medical school curricula should include trauma-informed approaches, healthy coping strategies, and efforts to destigmatize psychological problems.