First-Year Medical Students' Willingness to Participate in Peer Physical Examination

Abstract

Background: There is little research on student attitudes toward participating in peer physical examination (PPE). Purpose: This study explored first-year medical students' attitudes toward PPE and their willingness to participate in PPE before they had experience with PPE as part of their course. Methods: First-year medical students (n = 119) rated their willingness to participate in PPE for 15 body regions, with male or female peers, and when examining or being examined by others. Attitudes toward participating in PPE were also assessed. Results: Low-sensitivity examinations (e.g., hands, head) in PPE were generally accepted by male and female students. Significant variation in willingness..