Fred Friedberg1, Stephanie J Sohl, Peter J Halperin. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University, New York 11794-8790, USA. Fred.Friedberg@stonybrook.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examined how an interactive seminar focusing on two medically unexplained illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, influenced medical student attitudes toward CFS, a more strongly stigmatized illness. METHODS: Forty-five fourth year medical students attended a 90 minute interactive seminar on the management of medically unexplained illnesses that was exemplified with CFS and fibromyalgia. A modified version of the CFS attitudes test was administered immediately before and after the seminar. RESULTS: Pre-seminar assessment revealed neutral to slightly favorable toward CFS. At the end of the seminar, significantly more favorable attitudes were found toward CFS in general (t (42) = 2.77; P < 0.01) and for specific items that focused on (1) supporting more CFS research funding (t (42) = 4.32; P < 0.001; (2) employers providing flexible hours for people with CFS (t (42) = 3.52, P < 0.01); and (3) viewing CFS as not primarily a psychological disorder (t (42) = 2.87, P < 0.01). Thus, a relatively brief exposure to factual information on specific medically unexplained illnesses was associated with more favorable attitudes toward CFS in fourth year medical students. CONCLUSION: This type of instruction may lead to potentially more receptive professional attitudes toward providing care to these underserved patients.
BACKGROUND: This study examined how an interactive seminar focusing on two medically unexplained illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, influenced medical student attitudes toward CFS, a more strongly stigmatized illness. METHODS: Forty-five fourth year medical students attended a 90 minute interactive seminar on the management of medically unexplained illnesses that was exemplified with CFS and fibromyalgia. A modified version of the CFS attitudes test was administered immediately before and after the seminar. RESULTS: Pre-seminar assessment revealed neutral to slightly favorable toward CFS. At the end of the seminar, significantly more favorable attitudes were found toward CFS in general (t (42) = 2.77; P < 0.01) and for specific items that focused on (1) supporting more CFS research funding (t (42) = 4.32; P < 0.001; (2) employers providing flexible hours for people with CFS (t (42) = 3.52, P < 0.01); and (3) viewing CFS as not primarily a psychological disorder (t (42) = 2.87, P < 0.01). Thus, a relatively brief exposure to factual information on specific medically unexplained illnesses was associated with more favorable attitudes toward CFS in fourth year medical students. CONCLUSION: This type of instruction may lead to potentially more receptive professional attitudes toward providing care to these underserved patients.
Authors: Juul Houwen; Peter L B J Lucassen; Hugo W Stappers; Karel van Spaendonck; Aniek van Duijnhoven; Tim C Olde Hartman; Sandra van Dulmen Journal: Scand J Prim Health Care Date: 2021-02-11 Impact factor: 2.581
Authors: Viola Sallay; Tamás Martos; Lilla Lucza; Anne Weiland; Karen M Stegers-Jager; Peter Vermeir; An Noelle Margareta Mariman; Márta Csabai Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2022-04-23 Impact factor: 3.263