Abstract

Introduction In recent years, the number of students enrolled in Italian university programs has shown a substantial increase. Moreover many students are not well motivated and tend to lose their interest in their jobs early. So the drop out rate is quite high and represent a waste of resources and time. The reasons for academic failure are mainly: one of these are mistaken expectations. It is essential that higher education requirements, aspirations and expectations are discussed in as part of career advice at school. Interactions between schools and universities at the level of information about emotional jobs within a Health Care setting and career guidance are crucial. This study aims to provide a way to help students understand whether they want to commit to a career in Health Care, see with greater clarity the future profession as a whole and the university culture. Aim of the study The aim is for students to gain a connected experience enabling them to bridge the gap between the perception of the job and reality. Methods 700 students, attending the last year at the secondary school, enrolled in an orientation program structured by the Faculty of Medicine. The participants were involved in the complex healthcare relationship with the perspective of the first clinical approach, through a pedagogical laboratory and a cycle of lessons about medical humanities, which have be done according to an innovative fashion (problem-based learning, brainstorming, role playing). Students have been asked to complete an evaluation form at the end to help assess the impact of this program. Results Ninety percent of respondents agreed that this new orientation programs ‘can help them to choose the universities course’, balancing their perception of the job with reality. Conclusion / discussion This survey highlights the need to create an effective liaison and a coordination service between schools and universities, especially in the ongoing identification of skill and learning orientation outcomes for the completed secondary education.