Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate a patient-centered medical training curriculum, the SELECT program, through perceptions of the inaugural student cohort.MethodsData were collected from two focus groups conducted in the university setting, comprised of fifteen first-year medical students who participated in the SELECT program during its inaugural year. A questioning protocol was used to guide the focus group discussion, which was transcribed and hand-coded through thematic analyses.ResultsVarious themes related to patient-centered care were identified. Students noted changes in their attitudes towards interacting with patients in an empowering and educative manner as a result of communication and motivational interviewing exercises. Additionally, they recognized certain external, structural barriers as well as internal conflict between pragmatism and emotional intelligence that could potentially hinder patient-centered care. The impact of family dynamics and social support on quality of life and health outcomes was acknowledged. Students also emphasized the value of collaborating with multiple health professionals. Lastly, students provided suggestions for program improvement, namely additional simulations, more education regarding other healthcare professionals’ roles, more standardized experiences, and application of principles to acute and primary care.ConclusionsUpon completion of the first year of the SELECT program, students gained an appreciation for patient-centered care and various factors and skills that facilitate such care. Additionally, they experienced a dissonance between didactic concepts from the curriculum and observed medical practices. This study highlights the educational benefits of a patient-centered medical curriculum and provides suggestions for future improvement.
Highlights
Medical student education is historically rooted in the diagnosis and management of illness and disease
Two focus group interviews were conducted in July 2012 with student doctors from the inaugural class (2011-2012) of the SELECT program
These participants were contacted via email and asked to take part in a voluntary research study to evaluate their perceptions of the SELECT first year training curriculum and community-based mentoring
Summary
Medical student education is historically rooted in the diagnosis and management of illness and disease. While most graduates of medical school are prepared for medically diagnosing and treating illness and disease, little emphasis is placed on understanding how a patient’s lifestyle, beliefs, and behaviors impact his or her ability to care for and cope with a chronic illness.[1,2]. Advances in medical care have decreased mortality and lengthened life expectancy for many individuals diagnosed with chronic health conditions. Such medical advances have thereby shifted the nature of many physicians’ work to the prevention and control of chronic conditions.[3] The extensive impact of chronic illness on one’s life, daily functioning, and interpersonal relationships warrants the need for comprehensive care. The goal of today’s group is to engage your voices in the refinement and further development of curriculum and experiences for SELECT students. Please be mindful of your own talk time as well
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