A Qualitative Review of Persistent Behavioral Deficiencies in Medical Students as Identified Through Narrative Assessments

• In Event: Cognitive Processes and Developmental Trajectories—Paper Session

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes narrative feedback given to medical students over time to examine specific negative communication, professionalism and teamwork behaviors that persist throughout medical school and impact clinical performance. We used a portfolio review to identify 24 students who struggled in these areas during the pre-clerkship phase and tracked narrative feedback given to them in clerkships over the following year. The results show that the most common types of negative, persistent behavior were: 1) difficulties communicating with patients/families, 2) disengaged demeanor, 3) lack of effort/accountability and 4) difficulties communicating with colleagues. Medical educators can use these results to identify students with similar behaviors in the pre-clerkship phase and intervene earlier to improve performance.

Authors

• Celia O'Brien, Northwestern University

• Brigid M. Dolan

• Carol Chen

• Marianne Green, Northwestern University