Simulation Summative Study Results Are In!

Clinical Tools just completed the summative study for a Phase II grant exploring how medical students respond to a computer-based simulation, Lift: Peer Support. It was designed to help students learn about peer support and other important skills to increase resilience and avoid burnout. We are very excited about the preliminary results that we have analyzed so far.

What was the goal?

We wanted to assess the final prototype’s impact on medical students’ quality of life, alcohol and substance use, depression, and resilience. The study also evaluated the participant’s confidence, satisfaction, and opinions about the experience, which included use of the Lift simulation prototype and the website.

What we found out

The results for this computer-based intervention are very promising. Overall, the intervention has promise for improving confidence, attitude, and intended behavior. The simulation was well-received, enjoyable, and worth doing.

We had medical students take a series of surveys before and after the study. We have found that the intervention had positive impacts in the 2-week period after using it. Those positive trends included:

increased energy levels,
decreased drug and alcohol use,
decreased depressive symptoms,
several decreased burnout symptoms,
increased adaptation to change.
a decrease in feelings of failure due to alcohol use. (statistically significant)

Stay tuned as we continue to report this data!