Does change from a traditional to a new medical curriculum reduce negative attitudes among students? A quasi-experimental study.

The authors investigated whether a new type of medical school curriculum-with problem-based learning, integrated preclinical and clinical phases, and increased levels of contact between students, patients and teachers--is associated with lower levels of students' negative attitudes towards medical training than is a traditional medical school curriculum. This association was found, and was confirmed by a comparison between students in a university that had changed from a traditional curriculum to a new curriculum. Curriculum design may explain differences in students' attitudes towards medical school.