Sleep education for medical students: A study exploring gaps and opportunities
Karen Falloon1, Carlos Campos2, Miriam Nakatsuji3
1Clinical Skills Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences | Mātauranga Hauora, The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences | Mātauranga Hauora, The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
Sleep Medicine
|June 12, 2024
Summary
Final-year medical students desire more sleep education, particularly on sleep disorders and shift work. A dedicated sleep curriculum is needed to ensure comprehensive training for future physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep disorders are prevalent and impact overall health.
- Medical education currently lacks comprehensive sleep training for students.
- Understanding student perceptions is key to curriculum development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess final-year medical students' views on existing sleep education.
- To identify gaps in sleep knowledge and curriculum content.
- To inform the creation of an improved sleep curriculum.
Main Methods:
- Online survey distributed to Year 6 medical students during their general practice placement.
- Data collected on recalled sleep education topics and perceived curriculum deficiencies.
- Analysis of 51 out of 71 (72%) student responses.
Main Results:
- Students recalled significant education on sleep apnoea (83%), sleep physiology (71%), and snoring (69%).
- Less than 65% reported education on other crucial topics.
- Priority areas for students included treating sleep disorders, sleep history taking, and shift work management.
Conclusions:
- Current sleep education is insufficient, with gaps in areas like sleep assessment, insomnia, and shift work.
- An identifiable sleep curriculum is essential for equipping medical students with core knowledge.
- Effective sleep education can be integrated into existing medical curricula.
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