Medical students' attitudes : attitude development in a medical school

Abstract

Attitudes of medical students towards patients, psychosocial factors in illness, and care-delivery have been assessed. The influence of (parts of) the medical curriculum has been studied. Students' evaluations of attitude and communication courses have been investigated. The main results were: there was no decline in students' patient-centredness, psychosocial orientation and care-orientation during their 6 years of education. Female students held slightly more humane attitudes than male students. Vocational trainees in family practice were more humane than their colleagues in surgery. The specific courses were beneficial on aspects of doctor-patient relationships and self-insight, according to the students. Research instruments consisted of attitude-questionnaires and structured evaluation forms. Measurements were cross-sectional. Methodology and implications for medical education are discussed.