Attitudes Toward Academic Dishonesty in Health Profession Students

Academic dishonesty of health profession students may negatively impact the clinical environment. This study examined the attitudes, experiences, and behaviors of nursing, physician assistant, and physical therapist students towards academic dishonesty and explored differences based on demographic variables.

A survey was administered to health profession students in their last semester of the program.

120 students responded. Most reported never observing or participating in activities of academic dishonesty. Collaborating on assignments when instructed not to and falsifying aspects of patient encounters were the two most frequent activities reported.

Teamwork and peers may negatively influence academic integrity in some circumstances. Educators should consider strategies to promote individual accountability as well as integrity when reporting clinical findings.