Gender-based perception of undergraduate medical students at King Abdulaziz University toward use of simulation-based learning in pediatrics

Abstract

Khouloud abdulrhman Al-Sofyani

Background: The use of simulation in pediatric clinical teaching has been adopted in many postgraduate curricula, while there is limited data on its impact on medical student satisfaction in the undergraduate pediatric clerkship. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perception of undergraduate medical students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) toward the simulation-based learning (SBL) in pediatrics clerkship and if the gender affected their perception. Subjects and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2017/2018 at the clinical skills and simulation center, KAU Hospital using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 390 fifth-year medical students enrolled in the pediatric rotation. Students were requested to assess a simulation-based session on managing a child with status epileptics. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science Version 16. Results: Although most of the students attended the simulation-based session were satisfied with the orientation about the simulation environment, the female students were significantly (p = 0.005), more satisfied than the males. On the other hand, both males and females were satisfied with the simulation environment, technology, and the clarity of session objectives with no significant difference between them. The simulation session was significantly (p = 0.006) more helpful to female students in applying the knowledge and skills they need for clinical practice more than the male students. Conclusion: Face validity of SBL in pediatrics by undergraduate female medical students was evidenced in this study compared to male students.