Undergraduate Medical Education in Narrative-Based Medicine by Small-Group Learning / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Japanese primary-care physicians recognize that narrative-based medicine (NBM) is important in clinical practice, but there is no standard method for training physicians in NBM. We conducted small-group learning in NBM for medical students at Jichi Medical University in 2005.<BR>1) Our goals were to clarify what students learn and to investigate educational tools for teaching NBM.<BR>2) We qualitatively analyzed responses to a questionnaire composed of 3 questions that the students answered freely after small-group learning involving an actual scenario based on a patient's narrative of home-care service and including evidence-based medicine and medical communication skills.<BR>3) Students recognized that NBM is important in clinical practice. They also gained a deeper understanding of evidence-based medicine and medical communication skills, which are essential skills in primary care, and could integrate knowledge about primary care. Through discussion, they developed awareness of others and of themselves as doctors.<BR>4) Small-group learning with an actual scenario and NBM increased students' awareness and stimulated their imagination. We believe that small-group learning is useful as an educational method in NBM.