Emmeline Joyce1, Jennifer Cowing2, Candice Lazarus2, Charlotte Smith2, Victoria Zenzuck2, Sarah Peters3. 1. Manchester Centre of Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK; The Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester, UK. 2. Manchester Centre of Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK. 3. Manchester Centre of Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK. Electronic address: sarah.peters@manchester.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Co-occuring physical symptoms, unexplained by organic pathology (known as Functional Syndromes, FS), are common and disabling presentations. However, FS is absent or inconsistently taught within undergraduate medical training. This study investigates the reasons for this and identifies potential solutions to improved implementation. METHODS: Twenty-eight medical educators from thirteen different UK medical schools participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis proceeded iteratively, and in parallel with data production. RESULTS: Barriers to implementing FS training are beliefs about the complexity of FS, tutors' negative attitudes towards FS, and FS being perceived as a low priority for the curriculum. In parallel participants recognised FS as ubiquitous within medical practice and erroneously assumed it must be taught by someone. They recommended that students should learn about FS through managed exposure, but only if tutors' negative attitudes and behaviour are also addressed. CONCLUSION: Negative attitudes towards FS by educators prevents designing and delivering effective education on this common medical presentation. Whilst there is recognition of the need to implement FS training, recommendations are multifaceted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Increased liaison between students, patients and educators is necessary to develop more informed and effective teaching methods for trainee doctors about FS and in order to minimise the impact of the hidden curriculum. Crown
OBJECTIVE: Co-occuring physical symptoms, unexplained by organic pathology (known as Functional Syndromes, FS), are common and disabling presentations. However, FS is absent or inconsistently taught within undergraduate medical training. This study investigates the reasons for this and identifies potential solutions to improved implementation. METHODS: Twenty-eight medical educators from thirteen different UK medical schools participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis proceeded iteratively, and in parallel with data production. RESULTS: Barriers to implementing FS training are beliefs about the complexity of FS, tutors' negative attitudes towards FS, and FS being perceived as a low priority for the curriculum. In parallel participants recognised FS as ubiquitous within medical practice and erroneously assumed it must be taught by someone. They recommended that students should learn about FS through managed exposure, but only if tutors' negative attitudes and behaviour are also addressed. CONCLUSION: Negative attitudes towards FS by educators prevents designing and delivering effective education on this common medical presentation. Whilst there is recognition of the need to implement FS training, recommendations are multifaceted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Increased liaison between students, patients and educators is necessary to develop more informed and effective teaching methods for trainee doctors about FS and in order to minimise the impact of the hidden curriculum. Crown
Authors: Jeffrey A Kline; Michelle P Lin; Cassandra L Hall; Michael A Puskarich; Erin Dehon; Damon R Kuehl; Ralph C Wang; Erik P Hess; Michael S Runyon; Hao Wang; D Mark Courtney Journal: J Patient Exp Date: 2019-04-29
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