@article{10.22454/PRiMER.2024.497586,
author = {Pitter, Danielle and Indelicato, Alyssa M. and Morley, Christopher P. and Feuerstein, Barbara and Weinstock, Ruth S.},
title = {US Fourth-Year Medical Students: Diabetes Knowledge and Confidence Dissonance},
journal = {PRiMER},
volume = {8},
year = {2024},
month = {1},
doi = {10.22454/PRiMER.2024.497586},
abstract = {Introduction: Self-assessed confidence is not a reliable indicator of knowledge levels, as multiple studies have shown; however, it is often used as a measure of knowledge. The purpose of this study is to identify whether the confidence of graduating students in a US medical school to diagnose and treat diabetes is correlated with their diabetes-related knowledge.
Methods: We developed a 38-question survey, targeting students’ external experiences, knowledge, and confidence related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes. The survey includes six self-reported confidence questions and 15 multiple choice-style questions, to test diabetes knowledge. The survey was administered electronically using REDCap to the graduating medical school class (n=176) at Upstate Medical University. We calculated mean knowledge scores and confidence scores were calculated. We used Pearson correlation and t tests to assess for correlations and differences in the collected data. We also reviewed diabetes content in the current curriculum.
Results: The response rate was 38%. The mean confidence score was 19.97 out of 30 (SD=3.92) and the mean knowledge score was 9.63 out of 15 (SD=2.09). Total knowledge and confidence scores were not correlated. A positive correlation between confidence in prescribing/adjusting medications to treat patients with type 1 diabetes and knowledge levels was found (R=.325, P=.007). Academic electives, external experiences with diabetes, and demographics did not correlate with knowledge and confidence differences.
Conclusions: Students overestimated their ability to adequately manage people with diabetes. Better approaches are needed to prepare future physicians to diagnose and treat diabetes.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//primer/2024/pitter-2023-0084/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/epgjkypc/primer-8-4.pdf},
}