The need for a peer physical examination policy within Australian medical schools

Abstract

Background: Peer physical examinations (PPEs) are often used to enhance medical students’ clinical examination skills. Previous research indicates that there are several issues of concern regarding PPEs suggesting that it is important to have a PPE policy in place to respond to these issues appropriately. However, it is unknown as to how many Australian medical schools actually have such a policy.

Aims: The aims of the present study were to enumerate how many Australian medical schools use PPEs and have a PPE policy.

Methods: Surveys were sent to all Australian medical schools.

Results: Our findings show that most Australian medical schools use PPEs, but none appear to have a thorough PPE policy.

Conclusions: The findings of our study show that the majority of medical schools practise PPEs but do not have a policy. This in turn could lead to significant problems arising.

Acknowledgements

This work was conducted while both the authors were employed at the Discipline of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.