Introduction of a Patient as Teacher Program into family medicine residency: an exploratory pilot study

Abstract

Background: Family medicine residents should be prepared to address the psychosocial issues that breast cancer survivors may experience. Objectives: Our study aimed to implement a patient-centred approach model into the family medicine residency program and evaluate the impact of such a program on residents. Methods: An interactive virtual session (75 minutes), was integrated into the academic half-day of the family medicine residency program at St. Michael’s Hospital. The session was led by a cancer survivor and her partner. They discussed how illness has impacted their lives and reflect on their experiences with the health care system.  The session was facilitated by a trained facilitator in health care. A qualitative approach was used to evaluate the impact of this program. Two focus groups for residents was conducted to evaluate the delivery mode, recommendations and impact of the proposed program. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed. Results: This program has had positive influences on residents by improving therapeutic relationships and enhancing the residents' understanding of the experience of illness. This program allowed residents to appreciate the importance of understating patients’ perspectives and values. Additionally, adding the partner perspective to the program was appreciated and valued by residents. Conclusions: Based on the school’s specific curriculum, this program can be integrated into the residents’ academic activities. This can improve important competencies for family medicine residents including confidence in communication and increased empathy. Family medicine residency programs wishing to enhance such humanism skills by family physicians might consider this model.