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Publications

English Abstract Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42080935 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-026-04236-4

[Medical students in hospital emergency preparedness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative analysis of the ESCAPE study].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz

Authors: Lucien Torlot, Johanna Huber, Carla Nau, Franziska Jahns, Bernhard ZwiƟler, Martin R Fischer, Ines Schroeder

Affiliations

  • Klinik fĆ¼r Anaesthesiologie, LMU Klinikum, LMU MĆ¼nchen, Marchioninistr.Ā 15, 81377, MĆ¼nchen, Deutschland.
  • Institut fĆ¼r Didaktik und Ausbildungsforschung in der Medizin, LMU Klinikum, LMU MĆ¼nchen, MĆ¼nchen, Deutschland.
  • Klinik fĆ¼r AnƤsthesiologie und Intensivmedizin, UniversitƤtsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus LĆ¼beck, LĆ¼beck, Deutschland.
  • Klinik fĆ¼r Anaesthesiologie, LMU Klinikum, LMU MĆ¼nchen, Marchioninistr.Ā 15, 81377, MĆ¼nchen, Deutschland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Hospitals should plan aĀ staffing surge capacity to prepare for aĀ new pandemic or disaster. As medical students are aĀ possible surge capacity resource, this study investigated whether including students in surge capacity plans is desirable and under which conditions it is feasible.

METHODS

We performed two retrospective multicentre observational trials in 2023 by enrolling medical students from 20Ā German faculties and leadership from critical areas of inpatient care at two university hospitals. We investigated the integration of medical students in the COVID-19 effort, assessed the willingness to include students in future preparedness plans, and explored possible requirements for such aĀ deployment.

RESULTS

Both leadership staff (nā€Æ=ā€‰72) and students (nā€Æ=ā€‰1249) displayed aĀ clear willingness for cooperation in the context of preparedness plans (81.9% and 90.8% approval respectively). Most agreed on delegating diagnostic, medical assistance, nursing and logistical tasks to the surge capacity help force. Students addressed financial compensation, clearance of academic obligations and sufficient training as prerequisites for their deployment. Leadership staff also emphasized the need for adequate training. Both parties cited students' academic obligations amongst the main limiting factors.

CONCLUSION

Both surveys display aĀ high acceptance for including students into the surge capacity workforce. These results support the need for predefined roles for surge capacity helpers and emphasize the necessity of pre-emptive preparedness training and the clarification of academic obligations ahead of time.

MeSH

Emergencies, Public Health, Covid-19, Pandemics, Surge Capacity, Workforce