scholarly journals ‘Difficult Conversations with Patients’—A Modified Group Objective Structured Clinical Experience for Medical Students

Author(s):  
Piotr Przymuszała ◽  
Patrycja Marciniak-Stępak ◽  
Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska ◽  
Martyna Borowczyk ◽  
Katarzyna Cieślak ◽  
...  

This study presents a modified Group Objective Structured Clinical Experience (GOSCE) focused on difficult conversations, in which, due to limited time and financial resources, only some students could actively participate in scenarios. We aimed to evaluate the intervention, including differences between them and observers. The intervention was organized for sixth-year medical students at a Polish medical university. The study protocol assumed a pre-post analysis of students’ attitudes and self-efficacy of communication skills and their opinions about the intervention. Complete questionnaire pairs were returned by 126 students. The pre-post analysis revealed a significant improvement in their self-efficacy levels of almost all skills as well as their affective attitudes and belief in outcomes of communication learning. The improvement was significant among both the active participants and observers. It also showed a decrease in the motivation score, significant only in females. Regardless of their roles, students had positive opinions about the course and its particular aspects. The modified GOSCE may be an enjoyable and effective learning experience for students, especially in the light of limited resources. However, changes in their motivation score suggest the necessity to increase the importance of communication learning in the curriculum.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayo Sugiyama ◽  
Hirotaka Watanuki ◽  
Yasuhiro Futamura ◽  
Masaho Okada ◽  
Minori Nishimura ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is currently a chronic shortage of surgeons, particularly cardiac surgeons, in Japan and worldwide. Additionally, the number of female medical students has been increasing worldwide; half of our university’s medical students are females. We assessed the attitudes of medical students regarding preferred lifestyles and specialties, aiming to identify strategies for increasing the number of surgeons in Japan. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey among second- and fifth-year medical students at Aichi Medical University, to assess their career priorities and ideal lifestyles when choosing specialties. In total, 71 second-year (male:female, 36:35) and 55 fifth-year (male:female, 27:28) students were surveyed. Differences were compared between school year and sex. Results Few students considered becoming general surgeons (19%) or cardiac surgeons (14%). Most students were more interested in how interesting (92%) and rewarding a particular field (88%) would be, rather than in dedication to work (7%) or career advancement (6%), regardless of school year or sex. Females were particularly concerned about a heavy workload (79% vs 68%) and were less likely to prefer surgery (9% vs 27%) compared with males. The importance of acquiring useful skills (77% vs 95%) and wanting to train in the neighboring Tokai area tended to increase (21% vs 60%) with increasing grade. Conclusions Most students had decided their ideal career path in the lower grades and desired controlled lifestyle. To increase the number of surgeons, it is necessary to improve surgeons’ lifestyles, reduce their workloads, develop medical students’ interest in surgery, and ensure development of useful skills.


2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Kołłątaj ◽  
Magda Sowa ◽  
Witold Kołłątaj ◽  
Piotr Książek ◽  
Justyna Szakuła

Abstract Introduction. In many countries, the concept of OTC drugs, among others, is defined in advance by the assumed maximum period of their use – usually 3-5 days. In fact, many patients often benefit from these opportunities too often, use medication for longer than 3-5 days and prefer symptomatic treatment rather than causal. OTC drugs give people a sense of freedom and subjectivity. Numerous doctors claim that too much freedom in this case can prove dangerous. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in attitudes towards the use of OTC drugs in medicine students as they acquire knowledge and medical experience. Material and methods. The study looked at 178 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin (89 – 1 and 2 year students as well 89 – 5 and 6 year ones). A diagnostic survey was used as a tool for obtaining responses from the participants. The survey was conducted between October 2014 and November 2014. Results. Almost 90% of medical students use OTC drugs for self-medication, while only 11% of them have never used such medicine. Analysis of students’ attitudes indicate that acquired medical knowledge has no effect on the frequency using this type of treatment. Overall, students tend to use such drugs occasionally. Only some 14-23% of them use the OTC drugs on a regular basis. The motivations for the use such drugs include: convenience, the previous experiences implying the efficacy of drugs, less frequent are other reasons. Some 28% of the students participating in the study and at least 13% of graduating medical students accept prolonged use of OTC drugs. As the consequence acquisition of medical knowledge, the students are less likely to consult their self-medication attitudes with doctors, families and friends, more often and accurately read the leaflets for drugs, and are more and more reluctant to proposals for extending the assortment of available OTC drugs. Conclusions. 1. Almost 90% of medical students use OTC drugs for self-treatment. 2. 28% of polled 1-2 year medical students and at least 13% of graduating ones may have tendencies to abuse drugs. 3. Over the subsequent years of study, medical students more often read medicine leaflets, they become less reliant on the advice they receive from their family or friends regarding self-treatment or they are less willing to extend the range of available OTC drugs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e11-e15
Author(s):  
Abraham Rudnick

Background:  Stigma or negative discriminatory attitudes towards psychiatric patients are common in the general public. These attitudes are also demonstrated by medical practitioners and by medical students, which can lead to medical harm to psychiatric patients. This study aimed to improve attitudes of medical students towards psychiatric patients before their clinical rotations.Methods:  Second year preclinical medical students participated in a brief structured early clinical experience which involved introduction to a psychiatric patient in a hospital/clinic setting or in a community vocational setting. Students were randomized to either setting. Data were collected one week before, one week after, and 3 months after the early clinical experience by administering the Medical Condition Regard Scale.Results:  The students’ attitudes towards psychiatric patients improved, particularly at follow up. Only male student attitudes improved significantly.Conclusion:  Further study is required to understand and improve medical students’ attitudes towards psychiatric patients, perhaps particularly in relation to female students’ attitudes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 229-235
Author(s):  
Irena Borek ◽  
Witold Drzastwa ◽  
Hanna Matuszewska-Zbrońska ◽  
Aleksandra Oleksiak ◽  
Ewa Bujak-Rosenbeiger ◽  
...  

Open Medicine ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 608-617
Author(s):  
Robert Morawiec ◽  
Kamil Janikowski ◽  
Jaroslaw Zawisza ◽  
Malgorzata Lelonek

AbstractIntroduction. StudHeart research was performed to evaluate the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) amongst the senior medical students. Material and methods. The research involved 506 students aged 22–27 (mean age 23.96±1.52 yrs) in their 5th and 6th year of the medical faculties at the Medical University of Lodz. Each of the examined students has filled out an anonymous survey comprising 12 questions, which enabled us to use the FINDRISC scale in estimation of the risk for T2DM. Analysis was performed in relation to gender. Results. Overall in 16.80% of respondents the body mass index (BMI) was >25 kg/m2. Almost all students (93.48%) admitted to drinking alcohol and 9.68% smoked cigarettes. Only 13.64% of participants exercised daily (women 8.16% vs. men 21.30%; P=0.000). Everyday consumption of fruit and vegetables was reported by 55.34% of the respondents whereas 6.92% of them (women 4.42% vs. men 10.40%; P=0.026) ate fast-food 2–3 times a week. The overall risk for T2DM was elevated in 17.2% of examined students. It is predicted that by the time participants will reach age of 45, 40.52% of them (mostly men) will have their risk of T2DM elevated. Conclusion. Despite the awareness of risk factors for T2DM among senior medical students, their lifestyle remains unchanged. In the given population it is predicted that the risk of T2DM will enhance about 2.5-fold in the next 20 years.


Author(s):  
Mohan B. S. ◽  
Vinod Nambiar ◽  
Shivaraj Gowda ◽  
Rajeev Arvindakshan

Background: Incorporation of active-learning methods into classroom allows students to be motivated and enhances their learning experience. Crossword puzzles are found to be an interesting educational tool for teaching medical students as it evokes interest, motivates, enhances their critical thinking, allows a better understanding of concepts, and helps in reinforcing the material acquired during lecture. Aims and Objectives of the research work was intended to implement and evaluate the use of crossword puzzle as a tool in effective learning of Microbiology and Immunology.Methods: Using free online resources, crossword puzzles were created and provided to the students during microbiology and immunology lectures. Students’ perceptions of the crossword puzzle activity were assessed through an 8-item questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The data was collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.Results: More than 85% of the students indicated that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning, oriented them to the important topics, and served as good tool in effective learning of microbiology and immunology.Conclusions: Students perceived that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning of microbiology and immunology. Use of crossword puzzles provides a simple, creative, and effective means to incorporate active learning of microbiology and immunology in the classroom.


1985 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert R. Franklin ◽  
Pamela A. Samaha ◽  
Janet C. Rice ◽  
Susan M. Igras

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-187
Author(s):  
Maciej Walkiewicz ◽  
Małgorzata Tartas

The goal of the paper is to describe the extent to which medical students and professionals are vulnerable to extreme stress. A select review of existing literature on this area has been undertaken, using the English-language online databases EBSCO, Medline and PubMed. The search has identified 36 citations relating to 6324 medical students and 28,285 medical staff (physicians, residents, nurses). The review indicates that merely beginning medical studies is a risk factor for stress, and that medical professionals, who are vulnerable to extreme work stress, say that they do not receive enough support from their co-workers. They are also often notably impulsive, introverted, neurotic and perfectionist, with low emotional intelligence and agreeableness, as well as low and external locus of control. Additionally, from longitudinal studies we have been able to identify psychological factors underpinning admission to a medical university that may be useful for predicting future stress in medical career. The results of this study may be taken into account when organizing psychological intervention programs targeted at educating future medical professionals. It seems that early identification of people at risk could reduce the impact of stress related to medical career and enhance the somatic and mental health of medical professionals.


Author(s):  
Victoria Ruzhenkova ◽  
Irina Sheremet’eva ◽  
Viktor Ruzhenkov

Stress negatively affects the mental health of students, causes anxiety and depression, leads to poor academic performance, lowers level of professional training and success in the future. The purpose of the research is to study the state of mental health of medical students to develop recommendations for the prevention of maladaptation. Materials and methods. 252 5-year students aged 20–29 (22 ± 1,1) years, 168 (66,7 %) females and 84 (33,3 %) males (137 students of Belgorod State University and 115 of Altay State Medical University (ASMU)) were examined by medico-sociological and psychometric methods. Results. It was established that every fifth student of the Belgorod State University and every third of the ASMU did not enter the medical university on their own initiative. Less than half (43 %) of Belgorod State University students and 30.4 % of the ASMU ones are convinced that the choice of profession was correct, 35 and 37.4 % are, consequently, completely disappointed with it. Students of Belgorod State University dealt with training stress factors poorer and, as a result, have more pronounced mental symptoms of training stress, difficulties in organizing the daily regimen, irregular nutrition, and fear of the future. Regardless of the region of studying, the number of students not committed to the medical profession, after 5 years of study, is more than 3 times higher among those who enter the university not on their own initiative. Students of the ASMU hit substances, skipped classes, played computer games and took sedative drugs more often to overcome academic stress. The degree of anxiety before the exams in students of Belgorod State University was higher (9 points) than in their peers from the State Medical University (7 points). An extremely high (8–10 points) level of anxiety before exams was characteristic of 75,9 and 44,3 % of students, respectively. The former were more likely to experience clinically significant panic attacks: 27,7 and 6,1 %. Conclusion. Given the high incidence of social phobia (19,1–24,1 %), depression (22,6–32,2 %) and anxiety (21,9– 27,8 %) among medical students, the development and implementation of psycho-correctional programs aimed at the formation of adaptive ways to overcome stress, reduce anxiety and depression is required. This will prevent the development of psychosomatic disorders and addictions.


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