Willingness of medical students to be examined in a physical examination course

Abstract

Background: Physical examination courses are an essential part of the education of medical students. The aim of this study was to ascertain the factors influencing students' motivation and willingness to participate in a physical examination course. Methods: Students were asked to complete a questionnaire subdivided into five domains: anthropometric data, religiousness, motivation to take part in physical examination courses, willingness to be physically examined at 11 different body regions by peers or a professional tutor and a field for free text. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 142 medical students. The importance of the examination course was rated 8.7 / 10 points, the score for students' motivation was 7.8 / 10 points. Willingness to be physically examined ranged from 6 to 100% depending on body part and examiner. Female students were significantly less willing to be examined at sensitive body parts (breast, upper body, groin and the hip joint; p =.003 to