Cross-sectional evaluation of a longitudinal consultation skills course at a new UK medical school
2011

Evaluation of Consultation Skills Course in Medical Education

Sample size: 2519 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alexia Papageorgiou, Susan Miles, Michelle Fromage, Julie Kemmy, Sam J Leinster

Primary Institution: Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia

Hypothesis

Does a longitudinal consultation skills course improve medical students' perceptions of their teaching and learning experiences?

Conclusion

The study suggests that a longitudinal approach to teaching consultation skills enhances learning and student confidence.

Supporting Evidence

  • Students rated Tutor Facilitation most favourably.
  • All years noted increased confidence through practice.
  • Students identified key skills learned, such as structuring consultations and patient-centredness.

Takeaway

The study found that teaching medical students how to talk to patients over several years helps them feel more confident and learn important skills.

Methodology

A structured questionnaire was used to collect student views across five years of a medical program.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the presence of tutors during feedback collection.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to track individual student progress over time.

Participant Demographics

{"total_students":639,"gender_distribution":{"male":34,"female":66},"age_mean":23.93,"previous_health_professional":13}

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6920-11-55

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