Exploring access to support services for medical students: recommendations for enhancing wellbeing support

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Student Wellbeing
• Mental Health Support

Background:

• Medical students encounter unique academic challenges impacting mental health.
• Access to wellbeing resources is critical for managing these challenges.
• Barriers to help-seeking and resource utilization require in-depth investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Explore medical students' perceptions and utilization of wellbeing interventions.
• Identify factors influencing help-seeking attitudes and behaviors.
• Gather student recommendations for enhancing wellbeing resources.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
• Thematic analysis of interview data.
• Hybrid thematic analysis for focus group data to identify emerging patterns.

Main Results:

• Key barriers include information access, lengthy processes, urgent help delays, learning environment issues, confidentiality, and stigma.
• Students suggested improvements in information presentation and service delivery structure.
• Twenty-five students interviewed; 22 participated in seven focus groups.

Conclusions:

• Multi-faceted factors hinder medical students' access to support services.
• Student recommendations offer practical steps for improving wellbeing provision.
• Findings can inform stakeholders in fostering supportive environments to enhance help-seeking and resource uptake.