Improved processing workflow and student transparency with student mistreatment reports leads to graduation...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Student Well-being
• Academic Integrity

Background:

• Historically, student mistreatment in U.S. medical schools is prevalent.
• Graduate Questionnaire (GQ) data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reveals underreporting of mistreatment incidents by students.
• Barriers to reporting include fear of academic repercussions and lack of clarity on mistreatment policies and procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reasons behind underreporting of student mistreatment in medical schools.
• To examine and improve the institution's workflow for handling mistreatment reports.
• To enhance transparency and student confidence in the reporting process.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a task force to analyze the mistreatment report workflow.
• Implementation of enhanced communication strategies with students regarding the reporting process.
• Dissemination of anonymized data on processed and resolved mistreatment reports via weekly emails.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in Graduate Questionnaire (GQ) data following intervention.
• Student awareness of mistreatment policies increased from the 10th-25th percentile to the 90th percentile.
• Student knowledge of mistreatment procedures improved from the 25th-50th percentile to the 75th-90th percentile.

Conclusions:

• Increased communication and transparency in the mistreatment reporting process can significantly boost student awareness and knowledge.
• These interventions foster a safer environment where students feel confident reporting concerns.
• The findings offer a model for other institutions seeking to address student mistreatment and improve reporting rates.