From skillful to empathic: evaluating shifts in medical students' perceptions of surgeons through a combined patient as teacher and arts-based reflection program

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify whether the incorporation a combined Patient as teacher (PAT) and arts-based reflection (ABR) program during surgical clerkship rotation could influence more humanistic perceptions surgeons, using an innovative evaluation approach. Methods: A novel, single question tool created. Third year medical-students were asked “list top 5 attributes surgeon, in order perceived importance” both before after their rotations participation PAT/ABR program. Attributes identified by students coded either “humanistic” or “non-humanistic,” which then analyzed generalized linear regression models under Bayesian framework. Results: After program, predicted probability ranking characteristic most important attribute surgeon had increased 17%, amongst three for 21%. Conclusion: This evaluative method suggested success encouraging perspective surgery approach potentially be explored evaluate other education initiatives.