Students’ group discussion on violence against doctors during the foundation course in a medical college Mariam Sadiya1*, Nallapu Samson Sanjeeva Rao2** 1MBBS Student, Department of Community Medicine, NRI Medical College, China kakani, Mangalagiri, Guntur District, A.P. 2Professor, Department of Community Medicine, NRI Medical College, China kakani, Mangalagiri, Guntur District, A.P. *Corresponding author) email id: samson.nallapu@yahoo.com
**sadiyamariam@gmail.com
Online published on 10 February, 2021. Abstract Introduction: Doctors being exposed to violent incidents is a reflection of the issues troubling the healthcare system. Younger doctors are more likely to be victims of violence. There is a need to provide education on avoiding or handling situations of violence early in their careers. The Medical Council of India suggested guidelines for a one month “Foundation Course” at the beginning of MBBS course to be implemented by colleges. It aims at acquisition of skills in language, interpersonal relationships and communication. Methods: As part of the 1st MBBS foundation course of the NRI Medical College in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh state during the month of August 2019, a three hour session on violence against doctors was planned and conducted. It was divided into an interactive lecture for 45 minutes followed by group discussions for one hour and final presentations. The 180 medical students admitted into first MBBS (till date) were divided into 6 equal groups according to their role numbers. Each group session was facilitated by one faculty member. Individual group ideas on the subject were compiled and categorised into themes. Possible remedies were also put forward. Results: The themes identified were policy concerns, professional factors, social factors, media factors and management/Govt. factors. The possible remedies discussed by the students were also classified as those involving doctors, management, media and people. Discussion: High expenditures of healthcare in private hospitals and lack of equipment, facilities and skilled professionals in Govt. and smaller hospitals are reasons for resentment. Lack of proper communication and empathy lead to poor doctor patient relationships and forms the basis of aggression. Long waiting times, unavailability of personnel etc. are inflammatory issues. The role of media in providing misinformation about medical events is a concern. Management's responsibility is seen in providing adequate protection to medical personnel, preventing violence and promptly handling imminent violent situations. Solutions look towards improving communication and empathy in doctors, ensuring proper personnel and equipment by management as well as effective policies in patient services. Responsible reporting of alleged medical mismanagement by the media can stem such incidents. Finally it is also important that people understand the role of doctors in their lives. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to re-establish trust in the healthcare system through moral, regulatory and legal responses. Planned activities such as reforming medical education, promoting care giving and ensuring quality of care are necessary. This example of student discussion on such a critical topic goes a long way in preparing a medical student in becoming a better doctor. Top Keywords Communication, Doctors, Empathy, Foundation course, Group discussion, Violence. Top |