ATTEMPT OF ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCE AMONG STUDENTS OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES - A PILOT STUDY

Introduction: Entrepreneurial competence made up of particular personality traits (innovation, creativity, motivation to work), behaviors related to playing the role of an entrepreneur, and emotional intelligence may be considered as a universal set of skills necessary for self-development of persons functioning well in the society. A high level of entrepreneurial competence among university graduates is considered to be a key factor determining career development. Aim: The aim of the study was an attempt to assess the level of entrepreneurial competence among students of medicine and health sciences. Material and Methods: The study enrolled a total of 189 students from two university-level schools: Medical University of Warsaw (n=182, 96.3%) and State Higher Vocational School in Ciechanow (n=7, 3.7%). The respondents studied at a total of seven faculties, with students of nursing comprising the largest proportion (n=67, 35.4%), followed by students of nutrition (n=63, 33.3%) and obstetrics (n=32, 16.9%). Most respondents studied full-time (n=169, 89.4%) and were first-cycle students (n=116, 61.4%). The first-year Bachelor's degree students constituted the largest proportion of the total (n=56, 29.6%), followed by the first-year (n=33, 17.5%) and second-year Master's degree students (n=38, 20.1%). Mean age of the study group amounted to 23.61 years (median: 22; min. 20, max. 53, SD: 5.4). A standardized Entrepreneurial Competence Scale comprising 23 statements to be rated on a five-point Likert scale was used in the study. This tool is used to diagnose abilities, professional success, and entrepreneurial skills. The study was conducted in March and April 2017 through an electronic questionnaire. The approval of the Ethical Review Board of Warsaw Medical University was not necessary due to the nature of the study (non-invasive survey conducted among students). Results: Most of the study participants (n=123, 65.1%) said they had clear objectives and worked hard to achieve them. Almost all respondents (n=182, 96.3%) said they felt responsibility for their work. Most of the study participants (n=131, 69.3%) were most effective when they were free to manage their leisure and working time themselves. Half of the respondents (n=97, 51.3%) believed that they were good at time and activity management. Most of the students (n=126, 66.7%) were not afraid of expressing their opinion even when it differed from other opinions. Conclusions: 1. The study group highly rated their entrepreneurial competence. However, due to the fact that these skills are essential for professional development of university graduates entering the labor market, it needs to be considered whether to include the issue in the learning content. 2. This was a pilot study and hence it needs to be continued among a representative study group.