Performance in the application of the clinical method by sixth year students of Medicine studies

Abstract

Introduction: the dialectically interrelated scientific conception of all the elements composing the clinical method, should undoubtedly contribute to its rescue and to a qualitative medical care with it.
Objective: to state the performance of the sixth year students of Medicine belonging to the University of Medical Sciences Branch ¨Dr. Eusebio Hernández Pérez¨, of Colon, in the application of the clinical method during the practical examination of General Comprehensive  Medicine.
Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out in the sixth year students of Medicine belonging to the University of Medical Sciences Branch ¨Dr. Eusebio Hernández Pérez¨, of Colon, 2015-2016 academic years, using the observational guideline of the practical examination of General Comprehensive Medicine. The universe was formed by 45 sixth-year students of Medicine, belonging to the sixth year group, who entered for the examination; it coincided with the sample. The used guideline was validated by experienced teachers, taking into account the stages of the scientific method established in the application of the clinical method: medical interview, physical examination, and clinical reasoning. The students gave their informed consent.
Results: from 45 students, 17 got qualifications of 5 points, 16 got 4 and 12 got 3. From them, 28 had deficiencies in applying the different stages of the clinical method.
Conclusions: deficiencies predominated in aspects evaluated in the practical examination of the medical interview and the clinical reasoning; less deficiencies were in the physical examination.