title: Hidden benefits of a peer-mentored 'Hospital Orientation Day': first-year medical students' perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Entering the clinical environment is potentially stressful for junior medical students.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated first-year medical student feedback on a peer-mentored 'Hospital Orientation Day' designed to provide insight into future clinical training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a mixed methodology approach data were collected from first-year medical students. Responses to a questionnaire were used to develop a topic guide for focus groups held the next academic year. The questionnaire was completed by 230 first-year students and 32 second years participated in the interviews. Thematic analysis was used to draw conclusions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of questionnaire responses indicated that students gained insight into future learning. Focus groups then generated five themes: (1) entering the hospital without fear, (2) linking the present with the future, (3) understanding the culture of learning in the clinical years, (4) a 'Backstage Pass' to the clinical world and (5) peer mentors make or break the day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using peer mentors during the Hospital Orientation Day allowed insight into future learning. We highlight the importance of student Mentors in the success of hospital orientation. To maximise the benefits for first years, we recommend a mentor selection procedure, mentor training opportunities and incentives to optimise mentor performance.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: Nothando
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ngwenya
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morley
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Cathryn P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Jamie J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Coleman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D009949:Orientation; D010379:Peer Group; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult