Medical students' views on the use of video technology in the teaching of isizulu communication; language skills and cultural competence

The role of communicator has been included as a key competency for health science students in South Africa. Owing to the population's diverse language and cultural backgrounds; communication between patients and healthcare professionals is challenging. In this study; the Attention; generation; Emotion and Spacing (AGES) neurocognitive model of learning was used as a framework to create videos for language teaching for the vocational needs of students. Objectives. To explore students' views on the use of videos of simulated clinical scenarios for isiZulu communication and language teaching and the development of cultural awareness. Methods. Videos were developed using first- and second-language isiZulu speakers with scripts (verified by the university's Language Board) based on authentic clinical settings. Videos were shown to a target group of students; who were then interviewed in focus group discussions. Audio recordings from the discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically in three categories; i.e. communication; language skills; and cultural awareness; using deductive coding based on the objectives of the research. Results. Students affirmed numerous benefits of the videos and commented on their use and further development. Benefits described related well to the AGES model of learning and fulfilled the learning requirements of communication teaching; language acquisition and cultural awareness. Conclusion. The videos represent an innovative teaching method for the resource-constrained environment in which we work and are relevant to the 21st century learner. Further evaluation and development of the tool using different scenarios and African languages is recommended

An exploration into the awareness and perceptions of medical students of the psychosociocultural factors which influence the consultation: implications for teaching and learning of health professionals

Background. South African society is undergoing rapid changes; and includes people from different cultures; beliefs and social backgrounds. Research suggests that these contextual influences have an important bearing on how patients present and relate to healthcare providers. Medical students; too; have a life-world based on their own backgrounds and cultures; and may find relating to a patient with a different life-world challenging. Objectives. To explore students' awareness and perceptions of how psychosociocultural factors in a multicultural society influence the consultation; and to suggest adaptations for teaching. Methods. Focus group discussions were conducted with final-year medical students in the Family Medicine rotation. Some of the students had viewed a video of a consultation with an isiZulu-speaking patient; and completed a self-reflection learning task. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results. Exposure to patients in the clinical years had made students aware of the challenges of cultural diversity; although they felt under-prepared to deal with this. Students alluded to the influences of their own cultures; of cultural similarities as well as differences; the roles and behaviours of doctors and patients in cross-cultural consultations; the potential knowledge and experience gap that exists across cultures; and an awareness of the need for patient-centredness. Conclusion. Students should be assisted to improve their cultural competence. Recommendations are made for using various methods; including critical incidents and visual learning to provide opportunities for reflexive practice and transformative learning. Educators must be equipped to address learning objectives relating to cultural competence