A Pilot Study of Medical Students' Medical Interview and Physical Examination Practice with Simulated Patients / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To investigate future directions of medical interview and physical examination practice (MIPEP) with simulated patients and to clarify its educational meaning for medical students. Design: Qualitative design using 8 focus groups before and after MIPEP with simulated patients (4 pre-MIPEP and 4 post-MIPEP). Methods: Nine simulated patients and 10 medical students participated. Four physicians served as facilitators. Each student practiced consultation, including two medical interviews and physical examinations (of one male and one female simulated patient), for 15 minutes. After every consultation, students had a 15-minute feedback session with a simulated patient and a facilitator. All simulated patients and students participated in both the pre-MIPEP and post-MIPEP focus groups. Results: Through pre-MIPEP and post-MIPEP focus groups, medical students realized that an appropriate disposition and talking with patients during physical examination are helpful. MIPEP with simulated patients helps students to gain confidence before clinical practice. Simulated patients found that the value of MIPEP with simulated patients for medical students was increased by thorough course preparation and by the simulated patient's training and motivation, which was affected by the students' attitudes to MIPEP with simulated patients. Conclusion: MIPEP with simulated patients is valuable for teaching the appropriate disposition towards patients, including making physical contact and talking with patients as fellow human beings. When the students' attitudes satisfy the simulated patients, MIPEP with simulated patients can become a powerful educational method.