ASTEC booster sessions

As a development to phase 3 and phase 3i of the ASTEC programme of work, we plan to offer further booster sessions to the same year 3 medical students who participated in 2006 / 2007 as they continue their academic training, at two points; once during their academic year 4 and again in year 5. 

The research literature indicates that changing attitudes and behaviour is much more effective with booster sessions that reinforce key messages (e.g., Botvin et al, 1983). Further sessions would also provide the opportunity to expose the medical students to a wider range of mental health issues. Therefore, booster sessions, with further detailed evaluation will enable Rethink to evaluate and put together the most effective package of evidence-based anti-discrimination training to change attitudes and behaviour amongst the future generations of doctors nationally.

We would hope that this project would help to equip medical students with empathic communication skills and general tips so that they feel confident in their interactions with patients and carers, making the whole experience for the medical professional, the carer and the service user a better one.

Booster for 4th year medical students (2007 / 2008) – a copy of the ASTEC DVD will be sent to every medical student in one medical school (approximately 450).  We will monitor and evaluate use and usefulness of the DVD to this student group. 

Booster for 5th year medical students (2008/2009)  - tbc