A comparison of medical students' perceptions of three experiential methods
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare Finnish medical students' perceptions of the suitability of three experiential methods in learning interpersonal communication competence (ICC). The three methods it seeks to explore are: theatre in education; simulated patient interview with amateur actors; and role‐play with peers. The methods were introduced in a pilot course of speech communication.
Design/methodology/approach
Students (n=132) were randomly assigned to three groups. The data were collected via questionnaire and focus group interviews, and analysed using qualitative content analysis and cross‐case analysis.
Findings
Most of the medical students thought these methods were suitable or very suitable for learning ICC. The methods had five similar elements: the doctor's role, the patient's role, reflective participation, emotional reactions and teachers' actions. Being in a doctor's role, realistic scripts and patient‐roles, observing the interaction and reflection in small groups were the most helpful elements in these methods.
Originality/value
The results of this study show that simulated patient interview with amateur actors, role‐play with peers, and TIE are very suitable methods for practising professionally relevant ICC in the context of doctor‐patient encounters from the medical students' perspective.
Keywords
Citation
Koponen, J., Pyörälä, E. and Isotalus, P. (2011), "A comparison of medical students' perceptions of three experiential methods", Health Education, Vol. 111 No. 4, pp. 296-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654281111144265
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited