Medical student interactions with children in their daily lives.

Learning to communicate effectively with children in clinical interactions can be challenging. This study aimed to determine the extent to which medical students are exposed to children in their daily lives, in order to understand the experience students bring when entering paediatric rotations.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of medical students entering paediatric rotations from two medical schools was conducted. Students were asked to rate the frequency of their interactions with infants, preschool-aged and school-aged children and their confidence in doing so.

Results: 339 out of 476 students participated in this study. Interactions with infants and preschool-aged children were rare, with most students reporting interactions once or two times per year or less (83% and 67%, respectively). Students interacted with school-aged children more frequently (43% most weeks or days). Students who interacted more frequently with children were more confident when entering their paediatric placements.

Conclusions: Medical students have limited exposure to infants and preschool-aged children in their daily lives and this affects their confidence. Supervisors should incorporate activities aimed at building confidence interacting with young children early in clinical attachments.