Peer Physical Examination Research Articles

“Over my dead body?”: the influence of demographics on students' willingness to participate in peer physical examination

This study aims to explore quantitatively and qualitatively students' attitudes towards peer physical examination (PPE) and the influence of demographics on students' willingness to participate in PPE. A total of 296 first-year medical students from two consecutive cohorts at the Peninsula Medical School, UK completed the EFS questionnaire. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analysed using univariate (i.e. Mann–Whitney and chi-squared tests) and multivariate statistics (i.e. stepwise multiple regression) and qualitative data were analysed using theme analysis. At least 92% of Peninsula Medical School students were willing to examine all 11 body parts (except breast and inguinal regions) of peers of same and opposite gender. Qualitative data support this by highlighting students' positive attitudes towards PPE. PPE was more acceptable within rather than across gender and students generally felt more comfortable examining their peers than being examined by peers. Qualitative data outline the range of student concerns with PPE. Significant relationships existed between students' attitudes towards PPE and various variables: gender, age and religious faith. The findings demonstrate that students may show a greater willingness to participate in PPE than previously thought. Further research is required to explore more fully the barriers to PPE.

Short communicationExploring medical students’ attitudes towards peer physical examination

With opportunities for dissection and examination of sick patients decreasing, the role of peer physical examination (PPE) is increasing. This study explores students’ attitudes towards PPE and the relationship between attitudes and demographics. A total of 129 first-year medical students from the Peninsula Medical School completed the Examining Fellow Students (EFS) questionnaire. At least 97% of students were comfortable participating in PPE of all body parts except breast and inguinal regions. Over 20% of students were unwilling to participate in PPE of the breast and inguinal regions. Students were more comfortable with PPE within gender than across gender. Females were more likely to be uncomfortable with PPE. Further research with larger sample sizes is required to determine whether attitudes are related to age and religious faith.

Medical students' willingness and reactions to learning basic skills through examining fellow students

We have investigated the attitudes of students to learning basic clinical skills through examining fellow students. The result of a general survey of all students demonstrated that a small minority were unwilling to learn in this way, chiefly for religious reasons. The questionnaire also revealed some unwillingness to take responsibility for learning, doubt about the educational value of examining 'the normal', and sexual insecurity. We then investigated in detail the reactions of cohort of 96 students who were just starting to learn clinical skills. Fifty-six (58%) students attended workshops (median 3) to learn a variety of clinical skills through peer examination. Evaluation questionnaires were completed by 78 (81%) students prior to, and 84 (88%) after the workshops had been completed. The most common reason for not participating was 'full sessions' (56%). Sixty-two (73%) students thought that we should run the workshops again. Comparing attitudes before and after the workshops, there was an increase in the number of students unwilling to examine male genitalia (p = 0.02), or to have the inguinal region examined (p = 0.003). Breast examination remained unacceptable. In conclusion, apart from certain body regions, students valued the opportunity to acquire basic skills through examining each other. However, peer physical examination would be inequitable within a multicultural cohort if all students were compelled to participate.