How much is too much? Medical students’ perceptions of evaluation and research requests, and suggestions for practice

Abstract

A combination of institutional requirements and research activity means health profession students receive many requests to complete evaluations or participate in research. This study aimed to understand pre-clinical medical students’ perceptions and attitudes towards these requests. A prospective audit of evaluation and research requests to students during 2022 was undertaken to identify the volume and frequency of requests, and inform survey development. The online survey included questions about request frequency, volume, and timing. Two student cohorts received 42 and 34 evaluation plus 8 and 10 research requests, respectively. Responses (n = 167, aggregated response rate 28%) showed 70% felt they received too many evaluation requests, 76% indicated evaluation request volume should be limited, and 30% indicated receiving evaluation requests was ‘a little stressful’. Students indicated reasonable evaluation and research request frequency was 1–2 per month, with yearly maximums of 10–19 evaluation and 10 research requests. Students preferred receiving requests at the start of semesters; examination and holiday times were least preferred. Findings indicate students feel over-evaluated with the current evaluation schedule; students suggested the Medical School should regulate requests. The current research schedule was viewed as reasonable. Outcomes may guide institutional practice around request delivery.