Abstract
Background: This study explores the factors influencing students to seek medical help, and student perceptions in relation to student–doctor interactions with implications for health help-seeking behaviours.
Method: Students were interviewed across year groups. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and qualitatively analysed.
Results: We interviewed 22 students and identified common themes.
Conclusion: Medical students reflect on issues related to seeking medical help, their choice of GP and the decision whether to divulge they are medical students.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jill Thistlethwaite
JILL THISTLETHWAITE was an associate professor at the University of Sydney but is now a professor of clinical education and research at the University of Warwick Medical School.
Frances Quirk
FRANCES QUIRK is an associate professor in Psychology and Medicine in the Medical School, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, and has a research focus in outcomes assessment with special interests in quality of life, mental health, medical education and health behaviour change. She has specific expertise in psychometrics, qualitative methodologies.
Rebecca Evans
REBECCA EVANS is a PhD student and research office in rural health in the Medical School, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland.