Students’ letters to patients as a part of education in family medicine

Authors

  • Nataša Mrduljaš-Đujić Department of Family MedicineSchool of Medicine, University of Split
  • Ivančica Pavličević Department of Family Medicine School of Medicine, University of Split
  • Ana Marušić Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb
  • Matko Marušić Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split

Keywords:

Letter to the patient, Family practice, Communication, Doctor patient relationship

Abstract

Family medicine fosters holistic approach to patient-centered practice.Current medical curriculum in Croatia does not have well-structuredcourses or tools to prepare medicals students for successful communicationwith the patient and for building lasting and beneficial doctor-patient relationship. We explored the value of students’ practicein writing letters to patients about their illness as a way of buildingpersonal and compassionate relationship with patients. Sixth year studentsat the School of Medicine in Split wrote letters to the patientsfrom consultations under the supervision of the supervisor in a familymedicine practice. Structured teaching of communication with thepatient brings family medicine back to what has actually always beenits main part – communication and doctor-patient relationship. Ourfuture aim is to develop students’ letters to patients as a new tool inthe family medicine course examination. Moreover, we will investigatehow they can be used in everyday practice of family medicine.

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Author Biographies

Nataša Mrduljaš-Đujić, Department of Family MedicineSchool of Medicine, University of Split

Ivančica Pavličević, Department of Family Medicine School of Medicine, University of Split

Ana Marušić, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb

Matko Marušić, Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split

References

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Published

2012-02-08

How to Cite

Mrduljaš-Đujić, N., Pavličević, I., Marušić, A., & Marušić, M. (2012). Students’ letters to patients as a part of education in family medicine. Acta Medica Academica, 41(1), 52–58. Retrieved from https://www.ama.ba/index.php/ama/article/view/133

Issue

Section

New Models in Family Medicine Education

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