An Example of Using Cinema Films as a Long Case: The Doctor

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the positive and negative aspects of medical faculty students in the pre-clinical period regarding the patient-doctor relationship and the ethical dimension of this relationship through the film of “The Doctor” selected as a long case. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires prepared for the final scene and the set in the twenty-fourth minute of the film were used. Therefore, the students were able to explain their opinions without being guided. These forms were handed out to the students in the related minutes and their opinions about the issue were received. The study was conducted with voluntary students who watched the film and filled the form completely. Totally 98 students including 58 female and 40 male students participated in the study. Results: The early diagnosis of the physician in the patient-doctor relationship, making an effective treatment plan and the knowledge and skills of the physician were determined as the positive attitudes by the students. However; the failure of the physician in terms of sharing bad news, not showing any empathy, not informing the patient during the procedures, not listening the patient and not showing a deontological approach to his colleague were listed as negative attitudes of the physician. Female students were found to be more than male students having the opinion that the physician shared the bad news very unsuccessfully, did not show any empathy and did not present appropriate deontological approach to his colleague. Regarding the scene when the doctor candidates were asked to be hospitalized as a patient in order to understand the patient’s experiences; 63.3% of the students reported that such an experience was not necessary and that this skill could be acquired through education. On the other hand, students with previous hospitalization experience believed that the disease and hospitalization would contribute greatly in terms of understanding the patient. Conclusions: Medical faculty students in the pre-clinical period were able to express their views on complex ethical issues such as the importance of professional knowledge and skills, delivering bad news, showing an empathic approach, the nature of the relationship with a sick colleague and learning by trying the process of illness through the story in the film selected as the long case. Thus, clues were obtained about the opinions of the students regarding the basic characteristics of a good physician