Qualitative Analysis of How Simulated Patients Perceive Physical Examinations / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To investigate how simulated patients perceive physical examinations. Methods: Simulated patients, who were members of the Nagoya University Simulated Patient Society, were divided into two groups according to age, one group in their 40s and one in their 60s, and interviewed about their perceptions of physical examinations. A coding scheme was used to organize the data in thematic categories and extracted concepts. Results: Both groups believed that 1) training in physical examination is essential for medical students and 2) communication between a patient and a physician during physical examination is important. The 60s group had positive “attitudes” and less “hesitation” in terms of physical examination, whereas the opposite was true for the 40s group. As for “acceptable body parts, ” there was a greater degree of acceptance among the 60s group, whereas the “students' sex” affected the 40s group but not the 60s group. Conclusion: The results suggest that simulated patients can participate in physical examination education, providing each simulated patient's preferences are considered.