Evaluation of the First Trial of a White Coat Ceremony as a Ceremony of Passage: A Method for Teaching Professionalism in Undergraduate Medical Education.
- VernacularTitle:通過儀式としての白衣授与式(White Coat Ceremony)の施行と評価 卒前医学教育における専門職意識の育成のひとつとして
- Author:
Toshi ABE
;
Yoshio OGOH
;
Takato UENO
;
Mariko HOTTA
;
Akihiro HAYASHI
;
Ichiro YOSHIDA
;
Naofumi HAYABUCHI
;
Michio SATA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
white coat ceremony;
professionalism;
ceremony of passage;
undergraduate medical education
- From:Medical Education
2002;33(3):193-199
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Purposes: We performed a white coat ceremony for medical students, because there had not been a definite passage ceremony to create the desire to serve and the awareness of being physician. Opinions about the ceremony were with a questionnaire survey. Methods: The ceremony of white coat conferment was performed for the first time for 112 fourth-year medical students on January 11, 2001, just before the start of clinical training. A white coat and an identification badge with photograph were presented to the medical students, who were taking the first step to becoming a physician. A questionnaire survey was performed the next day to evaluate students' feelings. The questionnaire asked about student's 1) sense of responsibility to be engaged in medical practice, 2) feelings of kindness to patient, 3) love for of their school, 4) attachment to the white robe, 5) consciousness of being a professional, 6) sense of mission as a physician, 7) motivation to learn, 8) feelings of seriousness, and 9) desire to live ethically. A listening survey for the school staff and students was also included. Results: Clear improvements in consciousness were recognized in all items of the questionnaire (P>.0001). Approximately 80% of students approved of the ceremony being performed annually from the following year. The ceremony had had no established form, but many people acknowledged its significance. However, some students who did not realize the significance of the ceremony because it was performed in the middle of the semester. Conclusions: Although this was the first experience for us, many students and teaching staff were understanding and responded favorably to this passage ceremony. The ceremony to instill medical professionalism in student doctors will be improved with further efforts and experiences.