A method for teaching human values in clinical clerkships through group discussion

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Abstract
Human values discussion groups were introduced in third‐year clerkships at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to enhance the teaching of human values and to counter the dehumanizing effects of medical training. The discussion groups were found to be more effective than seminars, attending rounds, or working with house staff in helping students cope with emotionally or behaviorally difficult patients; problems working on the wards; or the process of becoming a physician (p < .001). Discussion groups were reported to be helpful in developing self‐awareness and in maintaining compassionate and caring attitudes. Students who participated in these groups were found to discuss difficult patients with their peers more than did nonparticipants (p < .005). The program consisted of weekly small discussion groups for third‐year clerks, co‐led by attending physicians and behavioral scientists. Participation was required but not graded. The study sample consisted of 64 students in the Class of 1988, with 104 members of the Class of 1987 serving as controls. This study provides needed empirical evidence that human values discussion groups offer a unique educational opportunity for focused attention on stressful professional challenges that did not exist in the traditional structured clerkship curriculum.

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