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'Over my dead body?': the influence of demographics on students' willingness to participate in peer physical examination

Rees, CE; Bradley, P; Collett, T; McLachlan, JC

Authors

CE Rees

P Bradley

T Collett

JC McLachlan



Abstract

This study aims to explore quantitatively and qualitatively students' attitudes towards peer physical examination (PPE) and the influence of demographics on students' willingness to participate in PPE. A total of 296 first-year medical students from two consecutive cohorts at the Peninsula Medical School, UK completed the EFS questionnaire. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analysed using univariate (i.e. Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests) and multivariate statistics (i.e. stepwise multiple regression) and qualitative data were analysed using theme analysis. At least 92% of Peninsula Medical School students were willing to examine all 11 body parts (except breast and inguinal regions) of peers of same and opposite gender. Qualitative data support this by highlighting students' positive attitudes towards PPE. PPE was more acceptable within rather than across gender and students generally felt more comfortable examining their peers than being examined by peers. Qualitative data outline the range of student concerns with PPE. Significant relationships existed between students' attitudes towards PPE and various variables: gender, age and religious faith. The findings demonstrate that students may show a greater willingness to participate in PPE than previously thought. Further research is required to explore more fully the barriers to PPE.

Citation

Rees, C., Bradley, P., Collett, T., & McLachlan, J. (2005). 'Over my dead body?': the influence of demographics on students' willingness to participate in peer physical examination. Medical Teacher, 27(7), 599-605. https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590500237671

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2005
Deposit Date May 10, 2007
Journal Medical Teacher
Print ISSN 0142-159X
Electronic ISSN 1466-187X
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 7
Pages 599-605
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590500237671