Perceived medium-term influence of a medical humanities module on medical students and faculties: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A voluntary medical humanities (MH) module was offered at a Nepalese medical school in 2007. The present study was conducted to study the perspectives of participating faculty and the then students about the module and its perceived influence on their professional life. Methods: The faculty participants were interviewed online from February to May 2021 after obtaining written informed consent and ethical approval. Transcripts generated were shared with the participants. Mainly deductive method of thematic analysis was employed. The areas addressed were what in their opinion were the strengths of the module and the areas which may require improvement, the perceived impact of the module on their professional lives, and their opinion about teaching-learning of MH in Nepal and South Asia. Feedback from the student participants was obtained from December 2020 to February 2021 using an online questionnaire addressing similar areas. Results: Four faculty members and 12 students responded. The informal and relaxed atmosphere during the sessions and the use of role-plays, paintings, and literature excerpts were the strengths. Obtaining informed consent, supporting family caregivers, and modules for other health science students were recommended. The module provided a new perspective on teaching-learning, improved their skills of explaining topics to patients, and developed their team working skills. They wanted MH to be included in the undergraduate medical curriculum in Nepal. Certain role plays and paintings were still remembered. MH is becoming more important during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The faculty and students continue to have a positive perception of the module. The module was perceived to have influenced different aspects of their professional life. © 2022 Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University ;Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.