Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41629961›Full record

ArticleBMC medical education2026

Training peer supporters in a single-centre medical school: a mixed-methods evaluation using Kirkpatrick's Four-Level model.

Phurit Bovornchutichai, Napat Rojsirikulchai, Parima Puapornpong, Nicharee Pasuntaviroj, Piyawit Piyawutthiseth, Supichaya Thebraksa, Pongtong Puranitee, Tantawan Awirutworakul

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Article in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Phurit BovornchutichaiChakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand. phurit.bov@mahidol.ac.th.
Napat RojsirikulchaiFaculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Parima PuapornpongFaculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Nicharee PasuntavirojFaculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Piyawit PiyawutthisethFaculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Supichaya ThebraksaFaculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Pongtong PuraniteeDepartment of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Tantawan AwirutworakulChakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMedical students face high levels of psychological distress but often hesitate to seek formal support. Peer support programmes offer a student-centred approach to fostering well-being and resilience. This study examines the educational impact of the Ramathibodi Peer Support Programme (Rama PSP), a student-led initiative in Thailand, with a focus on the development of peer supporters.

methodThirty-seven medical students across all six years participated in a 10-week training programme. A mixed-methods design was employed, guided by Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Model of Training Evaluation. Quantitative data were collected using the mid- and end-course assessments, Rama PSP aptitude assessment, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Qualitative data were obtained through post-training interviews and analysed using content analysis.

resultsPeer supporters demonstrated self-reported significant improvements in key competencies, including clarifying questions, referrals and boundary-setting. No significant changes were observed in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 levels, consistent with the programme’s educational–not therapeutic–focus. Qualitative findings revealed substantial growth in self-awareness (96.2%), self-esteem, self-management and social awareness. Peer supporters reported applying their skills in both formal and informal peer interactions.

conclusionsRama PSP suggests that structured peer support training may be associated with perceived improvements in interpersonal competencies and developmental outcomes among medical students. By focusing on peer supporters, the programme may support professional identity formation and complement traditional curricula. Integrating such training could help foster empathy, resilience and a supportive learning environment; however, further research using objective measures is needed.

Indexed as

Education, Medical, UndergraduatePeer GroupSocial SupportStudents, MedicalFemaleHumansMaleProgram EvaluationSchools, MedicalStress, PsychologicalThailandKirkpatrick modelMedical studentsMental healthMixed-methodsPeer supportPersonal development

Identifiers

PMID41629961
PMCPMC12952164

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.