What influences student experience of Graduate Entry Medicine? Qualitative findings from Swansea School of Medicine

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Practice points

Previous work and life experience provide GEP students with the skills necessary to cope with the pressures and demands of the course and engender hard working, motivated and closely knit cohorts. GEP students are noted for their ability to communicate, their confidence and self-assurance and determination to succeed in their studies. Differences in first degree in arts-based or science-based topics have no long-term effects on studies, progress with the course or ability to succeed. Previous life experience including high-flying careers and family responsibilities enhance students’ functioning within NHS placements, early patient contact and communication with health professionals. Students struggle to adjust to financial pressures, different lifestyles and lack of time for family and friends and are worried about achieving a positive work–life balance which influences their views of the medical profession and decisions about future work pursuits.

Figure 1. Interview schedule.

Figure 2. Working thematic headings used in the analysis.

Table 1.  Group characteristics of eight student group interviews

Group interview no.	Date of session	Year of entry of student cohort	Year of study	No. of participants
1	11/07/07	2005	2 (end)	5
2	11/07/07	2004	3 (end)	6*
3	16/07/07	2004	3 (end)	5
4	17/07/07	2004	3 (end)	5
5	19/07/07	2005	2 (end)	7
6	23/07/07	2006	2 (beginning)	6
7	12/12/07	2006	2 (beginning)	6
8	12/12/07	2006	2 (beginning)	4

Note:*one participant was late in joining the session.