Psych for 6th: A Novel Schools Outreach Programme for Aspiring Medical Students

Aims The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse toll on undergraduate medical education, resulting in less access to work experience opportunities for aspiring students, a vital component of the application process. With some studies reporting over 75% being cancelled due restrictions, King's College London Psychiatry Society offered unique chance sixth-form students day life student, providing authentic insight into healthcare world. 'Psych 6th' was novel outreach programme Year 12, helping them better understand style learning medicine through lens psychiatry. This aimed raise their awareness mental illnesses, prepare school applications and promote career Methods In March 2021, committee members delivered two interactive sessions online via Microsoft Teams. Session 1 saw discussing philosophy psychiatry medicine, taught basic history-taking skills, followed by practice these as group with simulated patients. Under safeguarding teachers, second session involved teaching Major Depressive Disorder pupils if they were then having take complete psychiatric history groups from Results Out 16 who took part, 11 (69%) reported not confident at all talking patient before sessions. After participating sessions, 14 (88%) felt . 15 (94%) considering future, (100%) recommending workshops other schools. Qualitative feedback commended encouragement active participation , how perception has positively changed Follow-up found that mentioned this either personal statements or interviews. Conclusion Psych 6th given competitive edge student especially light effects experience, expanded students’ appreciation health diagnoses treatment. Considering where 90% BAME backgrounds have demonstrated we been able put across positive image psychiatry, communities disorders can carry stigma.