‘I’m watching you’: observation of paediatric internship students

Abstract

both decreased (p = 0.025) and attention and sympathy for elderly people increased (p = 0.05). Overall, 69% of the student group felt that the session helped them to understand older adults better and 55% agreed that the panel helped to increase personal openness to older adults. The results of this small study with medical students in the early stages of their clinical education show small, positive changes in attitudes towards elderly people as measured by responses to an attitudinal scale and some shifts in views following a panel discussion with elderly individuals. The long-term duration of these effects is unknown and will require further study. Overall, students approached the mandatory education session with a positive view of older patients and for many of these students such views were reinforced through the panel discussion. In lieu of direct interactions with healthy seniors, this activity represents an alternative approach by which medical students can address issues of ageing and health. REFERENCE 1 Westmoreland GR, Counsell SR, Sennour Y et al.Improving medical student attitudes toward older patients through a 'council of elders' and reflective writing experience.