scholarly journals “Brought to life through imagery” – Animated graphic novels to promote empathic, patient-centred care in postgraduate medical learners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Sutherland ◽  
Dorothy Choi ◽  
Catherine Yu

Abstract Background: Empathy levels decline through medical training. This has been associated with poor patient and physician outcomes, and strategies to combat this decline are increasingly recognized as critical aspects of medical education. The aim of this study was to qualitatively determine factors associated with empathy decline, and to assess the impact of a comics/graphic novel-based curriculum on enhancing empathy and a patient-centered approach to care in post-graduate medical learners. Methods: Fourth and fifth year residents in the Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Program at the University of Toronto were recruited from the 2017 cohort of the Empathy, Humanism and Comics course. Participants completed a 12-month curriculum, viewing a total of four animated graphic novels over six sessions. At the end of the course participants were interviewed either individually or in a focus group. A coding framework of emerging themes was developed based on consensus between the three authors using a qualitative descriptive approach and the constant-comparison method. Results: Analysis of coded interview data revealed four themes. 1. The curriculum accurately reflected and addressed issues in real world medical practice; 2. The comics curriculum facilitated holistic development; 3. Participants appreciated the comics as an educational medium; 4. Participant feedback on the curriculum. The importance of empathy was noted, while participants acknowledged their own empathy decline and increased burnout. Stressors included increasing responsibility, long work hours, and competing work-life responsibilities. They felt the sessions developed resilience, an appreciation for the patient perspective, and communication skills. They appreciated the comics as a novel and engaging educational modality. Feedback on the effectiveness and relevancy of the curriculum was variable. Conclusions: Residents appreciated sharing difficult experiences and seeking support. They acknowledged the curriculum as a commitment to wellness and felt it reduced burnout and improved empathy. The comics were viewed as an effective reminder of the patient perspective. Variable curriculum feedback highlights the challenge in designing a course for adult learners. Future investigations may include the development and incorporation of similar curricula in other post-graduate residency training programs.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Sutherland ◽  
Dorothy Choi ◽  
Catherine Yu

Abstract Background: Empathy levels decline through medical training. This has been associated with poor patient and physician outcomes, and strategies to combat this decline are increasingly recognized as critical aspects of medical education. The aim of this study was to qualitatively determine factors associated with empathy decline, and to assess the impact of a comics/graphic novel-based curriculum on enhancing empathy and a patient-centered approach to care in post-graduate medical learners. Methods: Fourth and fifth year residents in the Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Program at the University of Toronto were recruited from the 2017 cohort of the Empathy, Humanism & Comics course. Participants completed a 12-month curriculum, viewing a total of four animated graphic novels over six sessions. At the end of the course participants were interviewed either individually or in a focus group. A coding framework of emerging themes was developed based on consensus between the three authors using a qualitative descriptive approach and the constant-comparison method.Results: Analysis of coded interview data revealed four themes. 1. The curriculum accurately reflected and addressed issues in real world medical practice; 2. The comics curriculum facilitated holistic development; 3. Participants appreciated the comics as an educational medium; 4. Participant feedback on the curriculum. The importance of empathy was noted, while participants acknowledged their own empathy decline and increased burnout. Stressors included increasing responsibility, long work hours, and competing work-life responsibilities. They felt the sessions developed resilience, an appreciation for the patient perspective, and communication skills. They appreciated the comics as a novel and engaging educational modality. Feedback on the effectiveness and relevancy of the curriculum was variable.Conclusions: Residents appreciated sharing difficult experiences and seeking support. They acknowledged the curriculum as a commitment to wellness and felt it reduced burnout and improved empathy. The comics were viewed as an effective reminder of the patient perspective. Variable curriculum feedback highlights the challenge in designing a course for adult learners. Future investigations may include the development and incorporation of similar curricula in other post-graduate residency training programs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Sutherland ◽  
Dorothy Choi ◽  
Catherine Yu

Abstract Background: Empathy levels decline through medical training. This has been associated with poor patient and physician outcomes, and strategies to combat this decline are increasingly recognized as critical aspects of medical education. The aim of this study was to qualitatively determine factors associated with empathy decline, and to assess the impact of a comics/graphic novel-based curriculum on enhancing empathy and a patient-centered approach to care in post-graduate medical learners. Methods: Fourth and fifth year residents in the Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Program at the University of Toronto were recruited from the 2017 cohort of the Empathy, Humanism & Comics course. Participants completed a 12-month curriculum, viewing a total of four animated graphic novels over six sessions. At the end of the course participants were interviewed either individually or in a focus group. A coding framework of emerging themes was developed based on consensus between the three authors using a qualitative descriptive approach and the constant-comparison method.Results: Analysis of coded interview data revealed four themes. 1. The curriculum accurately reflected and addressed issues in real world medical practice; 2. The comics curriculum facilitated holistic development; 3. Participants appreciated the comics as an educational medium; 4. Participant feedback on the curriculum. The importance of empathy was noted, while participants acknowledged their own empathy decline and increased burnout. Stressors included increasing responsibility, long work hours, and competing work-life responsibilities. They felt the sessions developed resilience, an appreciation for the patient perspective, and communication skills. They appreciated the comics as a novel and engaging educational modality. Feedback on the effectiveness and relevancy of the curriculum was variable.Conclusions: Residents appreciated sharing difficult experiences and seeking support. They acknowledged the curriculum as a commitment to wellness and felt it reduced burnout and improved empathy. The comics were viewed as an effective reminder of the patient perspective. Variable curriculum feedback highlights the challenge in designing a course for adult learners. Future investigations may include the development and incorporation of similar curricula in other post-graduate residency training programs.


2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Edwards ◽  
S. Verma ◽  
R. Zulla

Prevalence of stress-related mental health problems in residents is equal to, or greater than, the general population. Medical training has been identified as the most significant negative influence on resident mental health. At the same time, residents possess inadequate stress management and general wellness skills and poor help-seeking behaviours. Unique barriers prevent residents from self-identifying and seeking assistance. Stress management programs in medical education have been shown to decrease subjective distress and increase wellness and coping skills. The University of Toronto operates the largest postgraduate medical training program in the country. The Director of Resident Wellness position was created in the Postgraduate Medical Education Office to develop a systemic approach to resident wellness that facilitates early detection and intervention of significant stress related problems and promote professionalism. Phase One of this new initiative has been to highlight its presence to residents and program directors by speaking to resident wellness issues at educational events. Resources on stress management, professional services, mental health, and financial management have been identified and posted on the postgraduate medical education website and circulated to program directors. Partnerships have been established with physician health professionals, the University of Toronto, and the Professional Association of Residents and Internes of Ontario. Research opportunities for determining prevalence and effective management strategies for stress related problems are being identified and ultimately programs/resources will be implemented to ensure that resident have readily accessible resources. The establishment of a Resident Wellness Strategy from its embryonic stags and the challenges faced are presented as a template for implementing similar programs at other medical schools. Earle L, Kelly L. Coping Strategies, Depression and Anxiety among Ontario Family Medicine Residents. Canadian Family Physician 2005; 51:242-3. Cohen J, Patten S. Well-being in residency training: a survey examining resident physician satisfaction both within and outside of residency training and mental health in Alberta. BMC Medical Education; 5(21). Levey RE. Sources of stress for residents and recommendations for programs to assist them. Academic Med 2001; 70(2):142-150.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Bientzle ◽  
Marie Eggeling ◽  
Simone Korger ◽  
Joachim Kimmerle

BACKGROUND: Successful shared decision making (SDM) in clinical practice requires that future clinicians learn to appreciate the value of patient participation as early as in their medical training. Narratives, such as patient testimonials, have been successfully used to support patients’ decision-making process. Previous research suggests that narratives may also be used for increasing clinicians’ empathy and responsiveness in medical consultations. However, so far, no studies have investigated the benefits of narratives for conveying the relevance of SDM to medical students.METHODS: In this randomized controlled experiment, N = 167 medical students were put into a scenario where they prepared for medical consultation with a patient having Parkinson disease. After receiving general information, participants read either a narrative patient testimonial or a fact-based information text. We measured their perceptions of SDM, their control preferences (i.e., their priorities as to who should make the decision), and the time they intended to spend for the consultation.RESULTS: Participants in the narrative patient testimonial condition referred more strongly to the patient as the one who should make decisions than participants who read the information text. Participants who read the patient narrative also considered SDM in situations with more than one treatment option to be more important than participants in the information text condition. There were no group differences regarding their control preferences. Participants who read the patient testimonial indicated that they would schedule more time for the consultation.CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that narratives can potentially be useful for imparting the relevance of SDM and patient-centered values to medical students. We discuss possible causes of this effect and implications for training and future research.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadya El Rayess ◽  
Roberta Goldman ◽  
Christopher Furey ◽  
Rabin Chandran ◽  
Arnold R. Goldberg ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an accepted framework for delivering high-quality primary care, prompting many residencies to transform their practices into PCMHs. Few studies have assessed the impact of these changes on residents' and faculty members' PCMH attitudes, knowledge, and skills. The family medicine program at Brown University achieved Level 3 PCMH accreditation in 2010, with training relying primarily on situated learning through immersion in PCMH practice, supplemented by didactics and a few focused clinical activities. Objective To assess PCMH knowledge and attitudes after Level 3 PCMH accreditation and to identify additional educational needs. Methods We used a qualitative approach, with semistructured, individual interviews with 12 of the program's 13 postgraduate year 3 residents and 17 of 19 core faculty. Questions assessed PCMH knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness for practicing, teaching, and leading within a PCMH. Interviews were analyzed using the immersion/crystallization method. Results Residents and faculty generally had positive attitudes toward PCMH. However, many expressed concerns that they lacked specific PCMH knowledge, and felt inadequately prepared to implement PCMH principles into their future practice or teaching. Some exceptions were faculty and resident leaders who were actively involved in the PCMH transformation. Barriers included lack of time and central roles in PCMH activities. Conclusions Practicing in a certified PCMH training program, with passive PCMH roles and supplemental didactics, appears inadequate in preparing residents and faculty for practice or teaching in a PCMH. Purposeful curricular design and evaluation, with faculty development, may be needed to prepare the future leaders of primary care.


Author(s):  
Anna Eleftheriou ◽  
Aikaterini Rokou ◽  
Christos Argyriou ◽  
Nikolaos Papanas ◽  
George S. Georgiadis

The impact of coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) on medical education has been substantial. Medical students require considerable clinical exposure. However, due to the risk of COVID-19, the majority of medical schools globally have discontinued their normal activities. The strengths of virtual teaching now include a variety of web-based resources. New interactive forms of virtual teaching are being developed to enable students to interact with patients from their homes. Conversely, students have received decreased clinical training in certain medical and surgical specialities, which may, in turn, reduce their performance, confidence, and abilities as future physicians. We sought to analyze the effect of telemedicine on the quality of medical education in this new emerging era and highlight the benefits and drawbacks of web-based medical training in building up future physicians. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unparalleled challenge to medical schools, which are aiming to deliver quality education to students virtually, balancing between evidence-based and experience-based medicine.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Madhusudan Ganigara ◽  
Chetan Sharma ◽  
Fernando Molina Berganza ◽  
Krittika Joshi ◽  
Andrew D. Blaufox ◽  
...  

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on medical educational curricula. We aimed to examine the impact of these unprecedented changes on the formal education of paediatric cardiology fellows through a nationwide survey. A REDCap™-based voluntary anonymous survey was sent to all current paediatric cardiology fellows in the United States of America in May, 2020. Of 143 respondents, 121 were categorical fellows, representing over one-fourth of all categorical paediatric cardiology fellows in the United States of America. Nearly all (140/143, 97.9%) respondents utilised online learning during the pandemic, with 134 (93.7%) reporting an increase in use compared to pre-pandemic. The percentage of respondents reporting curriculum supplementation with outside lectures increased from 11.9 to 88.8% during the pandemic. Respondents considered online learning to be “equally or more effective” than in-person lectures in convenience (133/142, 93.7%), improving fellow attendance (132/142, 93.0%), improving non-fellow attendance (126/143, 88.1%), and meeting individual learning needs (101/143, 70.6%). The pandemic positively affected the lecture curriculum of 83 respondents (58.0%), with 35 (24.5%) reporting no change and 25 (17.5%) reporting a negative effect. A positive effect was most noted by those whose programmes utilised supplemental outside lectures (62.2 versus 25.0%, p = 0.004) and those whose lecture frequency did not decrease (65.1 versus 5.9%, p < 0.001). Restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly increased utilisation of online learning platforms by medical training programmes. This survey reveals that an online lecture curriculum, despite inherent obstacles, offers advantages that may mitigate some negative consequences of the pandemic on fellowship education.


2021 ◽  
pp. 0272989X2199455
Author(s):  
Oriana Ciani ◽  
Bogdan Grigore ◽  
Hedwig Blommestein ◽  
Saskia de Groot ◽  
Meilin Möllenkamp ◽  
...  

Background Surrogate endpoints (i.e., intermediate endpoints intended to predict for patient-centered outcomes) are increasingly common. However, little is known about how surrogate evidence is handled in the context of health technology assessment (HTA). Objectives 1) To map methodologies for the validation of surrogate endpoints and 2) to determine their impact on acceptability of surrogates and coverage decisions made by HTA agencies. Methods We sought HTA reports where evaluation relied on a surrogate from 8 HTA agencies. We extracted data on the methods applied for surrogate validation. We assessed the level of agreement between agencies and fitted mixed-effects logistic regression models to test the impact of validation approaches on the agency’s acceptability of the surrogate endpoint and their coverage recommendation. Results Of the 124 included reports, 61 (49%) discussed the level of evidence to support the relationship between the surrogate and the patient-centered endpoint, 27 (22%) reported a correlation coefficient/association measure, and 40 (32%) quantified the expected effect on the patient-centered outcome. Overall, the surrogate endpoint was deemed acceptable in 49 (40%) reports ( k-coefficient 0.10, P = 0.004). Any consideration of the level of evidence was associated with accepting the surrogate endpoint as valid (odds ratio [OR], 4.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60–13.18, P = 0.005). However, we did not find strong evidence of an association between accepting the surrogate endpoint and agency coverage recommendation (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.23–2.20; P = 0.55). Conclusions Handling of surrogate endpoint evidence in reports varied greatly across HTA agencies, with inconsistent consideration of the level of evidence and statistical validation. Our findings call for careful reconsideration of the issue of surrogacy and the need for harmonization of practices across international HTA agencies.


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