Patient Shadowing: A Useful Research Method, Teaching Tool, and Approach to Student Professional Development for Premedical Undergraduates. (16th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Jason W.; Baer, Roberta D.; Villalona, Seiichi
• Is Part Of: Academic medicine. Volume 94:Number 11(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07-16
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical personnel -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000002882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-2446

Abstract

Abstract : Problem: Questions have been raised about whether undergraduate institutions are effectively preparing premedical students in the sociobehavioral and cognitive reasoning content found on the revised Medical College Admission Test, providing opportunities to understand and apply these sociobehavioral and cognitive reasoning concepts in real-world scenarios, and offering career exploration opportunities. Approach: The Research in Physician-Patient Interactions course is a 15-week course designed for premedical students and taught through the collaboration of an emergency medicine physician and applied medical anthropologist. As of January 2016, the course is offered each spring at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. The course provides opportunities for patient and physician shadowing within the anthropological methodological framework of participant observation. Other qualitative research methods are also taught, and students complete a group patient experience quality improvement project. Outcomes: Thematic analysis of students' field notes and reflection essays and follow-up communications with course alumni revealed three salient themes regarding the utility of patient shadowing as a research method that provides unique types of qualitative data, as a teaching tool for premedical students to understand the perspectives of patients, and as an approach to developing the professional skills necessary in health care, such as effective communication styles, establishment of rapport, and empathy. Next Steps: Similar courses should be offered at other universities to premedical students. While it appears that patient shadowing experiences have a great impact during premedical education, there may also be value in integrating a similar experience into medical school and residency training.