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Purpose: Empathy is an important trait of a physician and a key element in the physician-patient relationship. This study evaluated the ability to express empathy in medical students. Methods: Medical student empathy was measured by the modified Pencil-and-Paper Empathy Rating Test of Winefield and Chur-Hansen. The subjects comprised 110 medical students. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis and t-test using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp.). Results: Empathy rating test scores were low-level in medical students (mean, 12.59). There were no differences in the level of ability to express empathy between genders (t=-1.714, p=0.089). Conclusion: Our results suggest that practical training in expressing empathy should be included in medical education and that an empathy training program must be focused on changes in behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-states and communication skills in medical students. Methods: A total of 109 medical school students participated in this study, which used the communication skills self-test papers and the Egogram checklist. The data were analyzed by frequency analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Ego-state was related to communication skills. In particular, adapted child ego-state was negatively associated with each sphere of communication skills. Conclusion: Our results suggested that ego-state types should be considered in developing a communication skills education program for medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Medical schools and graduate medical schools should understand the personality and psychological qualities of graduate medical students, medical students, and premedical students and link them with the curriculum. Methods: In this study, through June 2010 we analyzed medical papers that were published in Korea. The search terms were psychological terminology, including emotion, cognition, intelligence, social ability, stress, motivation, judgment, and learning style. Results: In the cognitive and learning aspects, preliminary doctors were under the influence of prior knowledge; cumulative learning; self-efficacy; and visual, logical, non-self-led learning types and had external learning motivation. In the emotional adaptive aspects, they appeared to be the ISTJ (introversion, sensing, thinking, judging) personality type with regard to the Myers-Briggs indicators and perfectionists, suffering from severe academic stress. Their motivation on matriculation was associated with their interests and aptitudes, and through community service, they adapted to the learning and living environment of medicine. In the social and moral aspects, they did not have high moral judgment, felt devaluated about their job than before, and tended to have an open and flexible doctor-patient relationship. Conclusion: Medical graduate students, medical students, and premedical students have greater likelihood to cultivate their character and capacity for adaptation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the development of a code of professional conduct that should be practiced by medical students and residents. Methods: The content of a draft version of a code of professional conduct was generated through extensive literature reviews and the results of surveys that were administered to students and residents. The content validity for the draft version was reviewed by an expert panel: five experts in medical ethics and eight specialists in medical education. The survey was distributed as an email questionnaire and included closed-ended items and open comments. SPSS for Windows version 12.0 (SPSS Inc.) was used for the analysis. Results: After analyzing the experts' reviews and holding a reiterative discussion, we developed the final version of a code of conduct for professional behavior. It consists of nine categories and 44 items for students and 44 items for residents. The nine categories were academic integrity, responsibility during clerkship or hospital work, endeavor to improve clinical competency, respect for patients and keeping confidentiality, honesty in patient care, boundary issues and conflicts of interests, impaired physician behaviors, respect for others, and research ethics. Conclusion: Because our code of conduct for professional behaviors cannot extensively include all aspects of medical professionalism, we focused on behaviors that can be used to monitor and prevent misconduct by medical learners. Further studies and discourse among stakeholders should be performed to develop a national consensus statement or code of conduct to reinforce professionalism for learners in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined two overarching topics: What are the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores in medical students? Do their interpersonal needs correlate with stress and depression? Methods: FIRO-B, PSS-10, and SDS were administered to 82 freshmen in College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea in 2014. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, frequency, two-way analysis of variance, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp.). Results: The level of interpersonal needs was medium range (mean, 24.52). The mean perceived stress score was 18.6. Also, 59.8% and 40.2% of students had normal range (<20) and high stress (⩾20). The mean score for depression was 36.3. Further, 97.6% and 2.4% of students had normal range (⩽49) and mild depression (⩽59). Wanted behavior correlated with stress (r=0.056) and depression (r=0.021). Expressed behavior correlated negatively with stress (r=-0.206) and depression (r=-0.301). Conclusion: The interpersonal needs of medical freshmen are related to stress and depression. These results can be used effectively in school adaptation programs for medical students to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed consent (IC) should be a form of communication between a physician and patient in which information regarding all options of a medical procedure and the patient's preference is shared. The aim of this study was to create a standard for communication by IC for physicians. The IC standard was developed based on an analysis of a dialogue in our previous experience with a medical communication program and a review of the literature. The dialogue pattern of the IC standard had the following six elements: opening; orientation; disclosure of information; conforming and complementing; shared decision making; and closing. Factors that influenced effective IC-based communication included preparation, attitude, empathy, listening, a psychosocial factor, nonverbal communication, explanation, and understanding. The IC communication standard will be useful in improving the quality of communication between a physician and patient in obtaining IC. It will also be used as a guideline for communication educators and medical students. Innovative strategies and rigorous studies are needed to improve IC counseling to establish effective patient-centered interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among medical students' assessments on peers' group presentations, instructors' assessments of those presentations, and students' educational achievements in other assignments and tests. Methods: A total of 101 first-year students from a medical school participated in the study. The students' educational achievements in a 4-week long integrated curriculum were analyzed. Student's final grades were comprised of the following education criteria: two written tests (60%), 15 group reports (25%), one individual report (7%), and four group presentations (15%). We compared scores of the group presentation assessed by the peers and the two instructors. Furthermore, we compared peers' assessment scores with each component of the evaluation criteria. Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlaton for the assessments between peers and instructors (r=0.775, p<0.001). Peer assessment scores also correlated significantly with scores for the group assignments (r=0.777, p<0.001), final grades on the curriculum (r=0.345, p<0.001), and scores for individual assignments (r=0.334, p<0.001); however, no significant correlation was observed between the peer-assessed group presentation scores and the two written test scores. Conclusion: Peer assessments may be a reliable and valid method for evaluating medical students' performances in an integrated curriculum, especially if the assessments are used to academic processes, such as presentations, with explicit evaluation and judgment criteria. Peer assessments on group presentations might assess different learning domains compared to written tests that primarily evaluate limited medical knowledge and clinical reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Medical students need close care and systematic management of their mental and emotional health during their academic tenure. This study examined the status of the current student advisory program and counseling office, the satisfaction of the current student advisory program, the core content of an advisory program, and the quality of a good advisor. Methods: We asked 64 faculties that were in charge of the student advisory program and medical education and 774 medical students from 41 medical schools in Korea to answer a survey. Statistical analysis, chi-square test, and ordered multiple response analysis were performed. Results: A significant number of faculty members (63.5%) and students (53.4%) indicated the existence of problems with the current advisory program. 'Deviations from the content (27.3%)' was the faculty's predominant complaint versus 'too formal (31.3%)' for students. A total of 55.5% of faculty members replied that the counseling program was helpful, but students were somewhat skeptical (13.9%). The core content of the advisory program was 'school life & academic counseling (28.3%)' by the faculty versus 'life as a medical doctor (22.3%)' for students. Both faculty and students replied that the quality of a good advisor is having 'concerns about students.' Conclusion: Current student advisory and counseling programs are not much help to students. A differentiated program for specific academic years should be considered to provide a tailored and valuable service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the importance of selecting students whom are capable for medical education and to become a good doctor, not enough studies have been done in the category. This study focused on analysing the medical students' academic performance (grade point average, GPA) differences, flunk and dropout rates by admission types. Methods: From 2004 to 2010, we gathered 369 Konyang University College of Medicine's students admission data and analyzed the differences between admission method and academic achievement, differences in failure and dropout rates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), ordinary least square, and logistic regression were used. Results: The rolling students showed higher academic achievement from year 1 to 3 than regular students (p<0.01). Using admission type variable as control variable in multiple regression model similar results were shown. But unlike the results of ANOVA, GPA differences by admission types were shown not only in lower academic years but also in year 6 (p<0.01). From the regression analysis of flunk and dropout rate by admission types, regular admission type students showed higher drop out rate than the rolling ones which demonstrates admission types gives significant effect on flunk or dropout rates in medical students (p<0.01). Conclusion: The rolling admissions type students tend to show lower flunk rate and dropout rates and perform better academically. This implies selecting students primarily by Korean College Scholastic Ability Test does not guarantee their academic success in medical education. Thus we suggest a more in-depth comprehensive method of selecting students that are appropriate to individual medical school's educational goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This longitudinal study was designed to examine the change in depression and anxiety and their predictors over 1 year among premedical and medical students. We compared depression and anxiety from 2 waves and determined the predictive power of personality, narcissism, social comparison, and social reward value on them. Methods: Two hundred twenty-six students at a medical school in Seoul were divided into 4 groups according to academic year and completed a questionnaire at the end of 2010 and 2011. The questionnaire included the Zung Depression Scale; Zung Anxiety Scale; scales for social comparison, narcissism, and social reward value; and Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory. Results: Among first- and second-year medical students, depression and anxiety increased significantly over the previous year. However, irrespective of academic year, depression increased significantly after 1 year. Also, social reward value had a moderating effect. Specifically, among students with low social reward value who entered their first year of medical school, the negative impact of the tendency toward depression and anxiety was amplified compared with older students. Conclusion: Because the predictors of mental health differ between groups, each group must receive specific, appropriate education. Also, because social reward value is important moderating factor of mental health, education and intervention programs that focus on social reward value are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly every medical school in Korea has a student advisory program, regardless of its form or method, but it is plagued by efficiency. To examine efficient means of delivering student advisory programs, we chose 'mentoring' as one solution and reviewed the concepts of a mentor and mentoring, the qualities and roles of a mentor, and examples of national and international cases of mentoring. The concept of mentoring is diverse, but it connotes and stresses aspects, such as individual guidance, tutoring, life coaching, and role modeling. We conclude that the quality of many student advisory programs can be elevated by providing holistic and systematic guidance that meets the demands of the mentees; giving individual, continuous, and intimate coaching; and guiding a balanced academic and social life and career, which will develop good doctors who can provide a holistic health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluating the professional attributes of medical students is critical, because medical professionalism is an essential quality of a good doctor. But, few studies have examined the tools for assessing such attributes. This study analyzed factors of medical professionalism in medical students to develop standards that can assess medical professional attributes. Methods: A total of 1,508 medical students in Korean medical schools or colleges answered a self-assessment survey of medical professionalism elements from 2005 to 2012 that we developed. The survey consisted of core 31 attributes on a 5-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 and AMOS version 20.0. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed six factors with total variance of 59.56%. The factors were termed 'empathy and accountability,' 'self-development skills,' 'academic competence,' 'interpersonal skills,' 'high intelligence,' and 'attitude towards oneself and life.' These factors showed statistically significant correlation (0.310∼0.663). From the confirmatory factor analysis a six-factor model were appropriate (CFI=0.873, TLI=0.853, RMSEA=0.065). Cronbach-α of six factors ranged from 0.718 to 0.864. Conclusion: Good doctors need to have not only appropriate standards of medical knowledge but also skills to understand and communicate well with patients, as well as self-management skills, which should not be overlooked in the medical education curriculum. By optimizing the results of this study, a more refined assessment tool of professionalism can be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although problem-based learning (PBL) has been popularized in many colleges, few studies have analyzed the relationship between individual differences and PBL. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between learning style and the perception on the effects of PBL. Methods: Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales was used to assess the learning styles of 38 students at Ajou University School of Medicine who were enrolled in a respiratory system course in 2011. The data were analyzed by regression analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. Results: By regression analysis, dependent (β=0.478) and avoidant styles (β=-0.815) influenced the learner's satisfaction with PBL. By Spearman correlation analysis, there was significant link between independent, dependent, and avoidant styles and the perception of the effect of PBL. Conclusion: There are few significant relationships between learning style and the perception of the effects of PBL. We must determine how to teach students with different learning styles and the factors that influence PBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To teach communication skills to medical students, a variety of instructional text and video materials are used. The purpose of this study was to investigate medical students' perception and satisfaction with medical communication teaching using electronic modules. Methods: Medical communication subjects were developed for freshmen of the medical department. Each lesson was configured for the use of educational electronic modules. The modules were composed of a database of instructional materials and a program file that could link the materials. After the and and 12th week of classes, the 8th and 14th practice interviews with simulated patients, and the end of the course, medical students' perception and satisfaction were assessed. Results: Forty-five students participated in the survey. Students' satisfaction after the 2nd and 12th week of class was 16.2 (standard deviation [SD], 2.0) and 16.2 (SD, 2.1), respectively. The correlation between class satisfaction and awareness of the usefulness of the electronic modules was significant (p<0.05). After the end of the course, the students' average satisfaction score was 6.7 of 10 points (SD, 1.4). Satisfaction with the practice interview and evaluation using simulated patients was 7.5 (SD, 2.3). For the practice interview, empathy, building a relationship, effective questioning, and active listening could be applied. Conclusion: Medical student satisfaction with medical communication teaching using electronic modules was high. Students who were aware of the usefulness of the electronic modules had higher satisfaction with their classes. Many interview skills of the initial and middle phase of interviewing could be applied for the practice interview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several high-profile cases related with misconduct by doctors and medical students have led to increased media interest and public concern regarding doctors who fail to maintain the expected professional standards. In response to these concerns and the increasing awareness of the social responsibility of medicine, the importance of professionalism in medical school is receiving renewed attention in our medical society. Many studies in other countries have stressed the early detection and intervention of unprofessional behaviors in medical students using an adequate evaluation system. The authors intended to explore strategies that reinforce professionalism education and prevent misconduct in medical students. We conducted an extensive literature review to identify patterns and categorize issues of misconduct and unprofessional behavior by medical students; existing evidence to determine why early detection and intervention of are crucial to prevent future misbehavior and disciplinary action by doctors; and education and evaluation systems to enhance professionalism for medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recently, concern of the college students' mental health has increased due to their continuous psychologic problems such as suicidal attempt. This study aimed to examine the correlation among depression, stress, self-esteem, and coping strategies of the medical students and also according to the academic year. Methods: The subject was 384 medical students of K medical school in Korea. Self-rating depression scale, stress scale, self-esteem scale was used for the survey, and academic stress and coping strategies of the students were asked. Frequency analysis, one-way ANOVA, t-test, correlation analysis was carried out. Results: Third year students were under most stress (F=5.67, p=0.000) and had the most students who were moderately (22.9%) and mildly depressed (6.3%). Stress form academic studies and grade was also the highest in third year students. For English fluency, freshmen students scored the top. Academic career stress and school culture stress were higher for year 3, 4, 5, 6 than year 1, 2 students. Differences of the coping strategies by academic year was significant in emotional display. Students who showed high level of depression and stress, also students with low self-esteem used emotional display as their major coping strategy. Conclusion: Depending on their academic year medical students' level of depression and stress was different, and they did not use a variety of coping strategies. Therefore, a program which can give a diverse access to variety of coping strategies to relieve students' stress should be developed taking their characteristics of academic year into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]