Social concern in medical students

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring attitudes of doctors: the doctor-patient (DP) rating

Monchy¹,

Richardson²,

Brown

et al. 1988

“…Rezler (1974) showed that it tends to increase ‘cynicism’. Difeker (1981) in relation to ‘empathy’ and Perricone (1974) after studying ‘humanitarianism’ both showed that these qualities decreased in medical students as they progressed through their training. In addition, students' abilities in exercising interpersonal skills have been shown to decline (Heifer 1970).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of medical education on the attitudes of medical students towards disabled people

Duckworth

1988

The negative attitudes of society towards disability and the resulting prejudicial behaviour affects the lives of disabled people. One of the declared aims of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Southampton is to improve attitudes. Hence, an attempt has been made to assess differences in the attitudes held by first- and fourth-year medical students, senior house officers and members of the general public towards disabled people. The measurement instrument used was the 'Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons (ATDP) Scale'. The total number of subjects in the survey was 428, of whom 263 (61%) responded. No significant differences were found between the attitudes of the four groups studied. However, a subpopulation of subjects who agreed with the statement that 'Disabled people cause more problems to doctors than non-disabled people' had attitudes which were significantly more negative.

“…Research has cast doubt on the interns’ ability to maintain these ideals (Becker & Geer 1958). A well‐known study by Eron (1955) showed that students become more cynical during study, although Perricone (1974) failed to discover these overall tendencies and did not support Eron's pessimistic viewpoint. However, Becker & Geer (1958) also found a decrease in student‐fostered ideals.…”

Section: Emotional Aspectsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Pliable but not receptive: concerning the marginal influence of a medical psychology course on the socialization process of doctors

Groot

1987

Growth into a professional role requires absorption of knowledge, the learning of skills and the adoption of behavioural patterns and values which are part of a particular profession. In sociological literature this is described as the socialization/professionalization process. In this article the research literature which describes the process is reviewed. However, apart from the many positive aspects of adjusting and conforming, there are also more negative developments in the learning behaviour and attitudes of the future doctor. The Department of Medical Psychology in Amsterdam has structured its teaching programme--in part--to overcome or to decrease such tendencies. This article deals with those parts of the course which attempt to influence medical students' interviewing and interpersonal skills. Research into the effects of this teaching points to a marginal influence in both areas. The author looks for explanations for this, in the light of the research literature. In conclusion, the direction is indicated which could further increase the influence of the medical psychology course on future doctors.