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[Reading ability of family physicians]
J A García Mangas1, L Viniegra Velázquez
1IMSS, México, D.F.
Summary
Physician comprehension of medical texts was higher than interpretation, but comprehension declined with more experience. Interpretation skills did not significantly change with clinical experience.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Clinical Skills Assessment
- Health Literacy
Context:
- First-level physicians in Mexico City's social security system were evaluated.
- Assessing medical text comprehension and interpretation is crucial for patient care.
- Understanding the impact of clinical experience on these skills is vital.
Purpose:
- To measure first-level physicians' abilities in comprehending and interpreting medical texts.
- To investigate the relationship between clinical experience and these abilities.
Summary:
- Physicians demonstrated higher comprehension than interpretation skills.
- Comprehension scores were positively associated with postgraduate studies and higher in women.
- Comprehension scores decreased with over 20 years of experience, while interpretation skills showed no significant change.
- A potential decline in comprehension capacity with increasing experience was observed.
Impact:
- Highlights a need for targeted training to improve medical text interpretation skills.
- Suggests a potential decline in comprehension abilities with prolonged clinical practice, warranting further investigation.
- Informs medical education strategies to enhance critical appraisal of medical literature among practicing physicians.