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Preserving third year medical students' empathy and enhancing self-reflection using small group "virtual hangout"
Pamela Duke1, Suely Grosseman, Dennis H Novack
1Drexel University College of Medicine , USA .
Medical Teacher
|September 6, 2014
Summary
A virtual professionalism course for medical students enhanced reflective ability and maintained empathy. Peer support in a safe, online environment positively impacted student development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Professionalism Development
- Digital Learning Environments
Background:
- Medical student professionalism education is complex, especially during clinical years with dispersed students.
- A faculty-facilitated, peer small group course was developed for third-year medical students.
- Virtual classrooms utilized social networking and learning management systems, focusing on self-reflection, inquiry, and peer support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of a professionalism course on medical students' empathy and self-reflection.
- To assess student perceptions of the virtual professionalism course.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of online learning technologies in professionalism education.
Main Methods:
- Third-year medical students participated in a virtual professionalism course.
- The Groningen Reflection Ability Scale (GRAS) and Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) were administered pre- and post-course.
- Anonymous online feedback was collected to gauge student perceptions.
Main Results:
- Empathy levels were preserved, not diminished, as measured by the JSE.
- A statistically significant increase in Groningen Reflection Ability Scale scores was observed (p < 0.001).
- Sharing personal narratives in peer groups appeared to foster reflective ability and practice.
Conclusions:
- Peer groups and discussions in safe environments benefit student development.
- Virtual group video platforms can be effective tools for professionalism education.
- This approach supports the development of essential professional competencies in medical students.
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