Using behavior change plans to improve medical student self-care
Robert F Kushner1, Sheila Kessler, William C McGaghie
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA. rkushner@northwestern.edu
Summary
Medical students effectively learned health behavior change strategies through a behavior change plan (BCP) project. This practical exercise enhanced self-care skills and provided valuable insights into the process of behavior modification.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Health behavior change is a critical skill for physicians.
- Medical curricula often lack practical training in self-care and behavior modification techniques.
- A behavior change plan (BCP) offers a structured approach to learning these principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an innovative teaching method for health behavior change and self-care using a BCP.
- To assess the effectiveness of a BCP project in a medical student curriculum.
- To understand student attitudes towards a BCP for personal health improvement.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 343 second-year medical students participated in a Healthy Living unit.
- Students developed and implemented a personal BCP, setting goals and tracking progress.
- Quantitative (posttest-only design) and qualitative analyses were used to evaluate BCP outcomes and student attitudes.
Main Results:
- Most students (87.2%) focused BCP goals on exercise, nutrition, or sleep.
- Goal achievement varied, with 40.5% succeeding and 49.6% not achieving their BCP goals.
- Post-project, 79.9% of students felt healthier, and 81.9% would use the BCP process again.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a BCP is a valuable educational tool for medical students.
- The BCP project effectively teaches health behavior change strategies and identifies associated challenges.
- This approach enhances students' practical understanding of self-care and behavior modification.
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