Findings from a public engagement programme for school children aged 13-15 years about endocrinology

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the utility and effectiveness of a school outreach programme in areas of lower socioeconomic status to improve understanding of common endocrine topics and the medical profession.

Methods: Two secondary school outreach sessions were conducted in July 2022. Students were invited to attend lectures delivered by medical professionals and engage in poster-making sessions using the knowledge they had gained throughout the day. Participants completed anonymised pre- and post-session surveys. Outcomes were identified using Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model. Self-reported perceptions and beliefs (Kirkpatrick's level 2a) were compared using chi-square tests. Thematic analysis of team-led poster presentations was performed.

Results: Of the 254 participants included, the response rates of pre- and post-session questionnaires were 75.6% and 56.2%, respectively. The outreach day increased students' understanding of obesity and diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Health Technology. The most well-received activities from the outreach day were voted to be the poster challenge (43.4%) and poster presentation (14.7%). Following the session, there was a trend towards an increased understanding of medical careers and interest in pursuing a medical career, although these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: Outreach programmes could be a practical and effective approach to engaging prospective medical applicants from areas of lower socioeconomic status. Further studies are required to expand outreach programmes and investigate the efficacy of school engagement programmes.