Using Movies to Strengthen Learning of the Humanistic Aspects of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Movie screening and activities have been used during the last two semesters (spring and summer 2015) to strengthen the learning of communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and greater understanding of the process and death and dying at the Xavier University School of Medicine.

Aim: The present manuscript describes the movie screening and activities. Student feedback regarding the sessions is also mentioned.

Settings and design: The activity was conducted among basic science undergraduate medical students and student feedback was obtained. A cross-sectional study design was used.

Materials and methods: Feedback was obtained towards the end of June 2015 using a questionnaire designed by the authors. Participants were asked to rate their degree of agreement with the set of statements and provide an overall rating for the sessions. No demographic information was collected.

Statistical analysis: Cronbach's alpha was calculated as a measure of internal consistency. The normality of distribution of the scores of individual statements and of the overall rating was determined using one sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The average scores were calculated. Free text comments were tabulated.

Results: Forty-nine of the 63 students (77.8%) participated in the study. Cronbach's alpha was 0.868 indicating a high level of internal consistency. The median scores indicating the degree of agreement with most statements ranged from 3 to 5. The mean participant rating of the sessions was 7.10 (maximum possible score 10). A few participants provided free text comments regarding the sessions.

Conclusion: Student feedback about the session was positive. Impact of the session on humanistic issues, professionalism and death and dying should be studied in future.

Keywords: Caribbean; Feedback; Humanities; Medical humanities; Professionalism.