Psychodynamic approaches to teaching medical students about the doctor-patient relationship: Randomised controlled trial

Yakeley, Jessica, Majid, Sarah, Shoenberg, Peter, Morris, Peter and Sturgeon, Richard (2011) Psychodynamic approaches to teaching medical students about the doctor-patient relationship: Randomised controlled trial. The Psychiatrist, 35 (8). pp. 308-313. ISSN Online: 1758-3217; Print: 1758-3209 Full text available

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Abstract

Aims and method: To evaluate the effectiveness of two psychodynamic psychotherapy teaching methods, a student psychotherapy scheme (SPS) and participation in a Balint group, in teaching first-year clinical medical students about doctor-patient communication and the doctor-patient relationship. The 28 students, who were randomly allocated to three groups (SPS group, Balint group starting at baseline and Balint group starting at 3 months and acting as partial controls), were rated on a questionnaire testing their knowledge of emotional and psychodynamic aspects of the doctor-patient relationship administered at baseline, at 3 months and at 1 year. Results: At 3 months, students in the SPS and Balint groups scored higher than the partial control group, the difference approaching significance at the 5% level. At 1 year, participation in either teaching method led to significantly higher scores compared with baseline. Clinical implications: Psychodynamic psychotherapy teaching methods are effective in increasing students’ knowledge of the doctor-patient relationship and potentially also improving their communication skills.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Doctor Patient Relationships, Balint Groups
Subjects: Health and Medical Sciences > Patient Care
Department/People: Adult and Forensic Services
URI: https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/686

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