Artikel
A communication-focused curriculum in medical psychology for dental students – a two year résumé
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Autoren
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Simone Alvarez
- Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Jobst-Hendrik Schultz
- Heidelberg, Deutschland
| Veröffentlicht: | 5. September 2016 |
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Gliederung
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Background: Successful physician-patient interaction and communication are paramount aspects of medical psychology. For students of medicine, lectures, seminars and courses in medical psychology are a standard part of the curriculum. However, dental students usually do not have the opportunity to attend these courses, unless they are planning on obtaining a dual degree of dentistry and medicine. In this case, the University of Heidelberg offers courses and seminars in medical psychology specifically for dual degree seekers.
Methods: The curriculum of the course of medical psychology has now been in place for two consecutive years and consists of 20 teaching units combining theoretical elements with practical exercises. A blend of elements such as communication techniques, simulation exercises with standardized patients and analysis of video films, were paired with (self-) awareness and (self-) perception exercises. After the course, dental students (N=81) filled out a survey which consisted of 10 standardized Likert- scale items and two open questions. Additionally, selected students were interviewed.
Findings: Dental students found the course curriculum to be helpful and vital. Many students rated the course as highly important in terms of later physician/dentist-patient interaction. One aspect of the curriculum course participants regarded as very important, yet neglected during dental studies, was (self-) perception.
Discussion: In the view of dental students, the rigorous structure of the dental curriculum does not allow for time spent on topics such as (self-) perception and awareness. However, training one’s ability to self-reflect and think critically about one’s own actions, conduct or position can help with success during medical as well as dental studies and practices. Consequently, courses with an emphasis on communication should be offered to dental students early on during dental studies as a regular part of the curriculum. To do so, the subject of medical psychology seems to be an ideal vessel.
