Background There has been an explosion of interest in medical professionalism over the past decade but at present there are no evidence based guidelines on how to effectively develop medical professionalism in future doctors (Passi et al. 2010). Role modelling has been highlighted as an important method to help develop professionalism but there is no current theory regarding the process of role modelling (Passi et al. 2013). Therefore, the aim of this PhD was to investigate how positive doctor role modelling influences the development of professionalism in future doctors. Methods A qualitative methodology using the grounded theory inquiry approach of Strauss and Corbin (2008) was used to generate a general explanation (a theory) of the process of role modelling shaped by the views of the participants. The study involved focus groups with final year medical students, semi structured interviews with consultants and semi structured interviews with consultants and final year medical students immediately after outpatient clinics. This systematic approach used involved open coding, axial coding and selective coding to reveal the processes involved in role modelling, which is illustrated in a coding paradigm diagram. Results The results revealed a new theory of doctor role modelling which is described as follows – Doctor role modelling is an important process in medical education that involves conscious and subconscious elements. It consists of an Exposure Phase followed by an Evolution Phase. The exposure phase involves demonstration of professional attributes by the doctor role models (clinical expertise; relationships with patients, students and colleagues; personality and inspirational characteristics). The evolution phase begins with observation of the role model by the modellee, following which the modellee makes a judgement whether or not to trial the observed behaviours of the role model. When the decision to trial is reached, this then leads to the Model Trialling Cycle which involves 5 stages of assembly, emulation, experimentation, adaptation and assimilation. The outcome is the evolution of a professional doctor who has developed their unique professional identity and career aspirations. Conclusion This detailed qualitative study has provided a new theory of doctor role modelling in medical education. The impact of role modelling is in the development of medical professionalism professional identity and the influence of career choice. The theory can now be incorporated in medical curriculums worldwide to enhance the development of medical professionalism. Detailed recommendations for clinical practice and future research are described.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:618927 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Passi, Vimmi |
| Publisher | University of Warwick |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/62713/ |
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