Family Medicine Residents’ Perspectives on “Worldview Thinking in Patient Care

Abstract

Background: To engage in worldview thinking in patient care is for physicians to acknowledge both the patient’s and their own life perspectives. Learner-centered development of worldview thinking curriculum for family medicine residents has not been reported. Purposes: This qualitative research project, which studied the perspectives of family medicine residents, was a necessary preamble to such curriculum development. Methods: Eight residents were interviewed on a voluntary, confidential basis using an open-ended format, structured around core questions. Recurring themes were identified and sorted. A focus group of study participants verified the analysis. Results: The residents valued worldview thinking in patient care. Their own worldviews were formed in earlier years by distinctive family influences and life experiences. They did not support mandatory worldview thinking residency curriculum. For themselves, they preferred curricula involving real-life patient interactions. Conclusions: Qualitative research methods are useful in initiating learner-centered worldview curriculum development. These residents’ views invite exploration of innovative ways to teach this aspect of professionalism.