Improving Medical Student Clinical Knowledge and Skills Through Influenza Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Influenza remains a significant public health concern, necessitating robust vaccination strategies.
• Effective medical education is crucial for equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills for disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an influenza vaccine education program as a tool for enhancing medical knowledge and clinical proficiency.
• To assess the impact of hands-on vaccination experience on student learning and confidence.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 80 first-year medical students participated in an influenza vaccine education program.
• Pre- and post-surveys assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and self-rated clinical skills regarding influenza vaccines.
• Students completed an educational module and administered influenza vaccines to healthcare workers or patients at a free clinic.

Main Results:

• A significant improvement in knowledge base regarding the influenza virus and vaccine was observed post-program.
• Participants demonstrated significant increases in self-rated knowledge and clinical skills proficiency after the educational intervention.
• 55 out of 80 students completed both pre- and post-surveys, indicating good program engagement.

Conclusions:

• The Stony Brook influenza vaccination program effectively enhanced medical student training and practical skills through service-learning.
• This study provides quantitative evidence that influenza vaccine education programs can improve medical students' knowledge and clinical competencies.
• The findings support the integration of such programs into medical curricula to strengthen public health preparedness.