Abdul-Salam S. Sultan

Living with a Chronic Patient: A Year-Long Immersive Experience in the AlKindy Medical Curriculum to Deepen Students' Understanding of the Psychosocial Dimensions of Chronic Diseases

Abdul-Salam S. Sultan

Alkindy College of Medicine

salamssultan1@gmail.com

Yousif AbdulRaheem

Taghreed Al-Haidari

Introduction: Psychosocial issues are understudied but important aspects of public health for chronic patients. In recent years, there has been increased interest in individual characteristics and understanding of the effects of psychosocial status on patients with chronic diseases.

Aims and Methods: The study aims to evaluate how a year-long immersive experience with chronic patients impacts medical students' communication skills, understanding of patient perspectives, and sense of responsibility.

It uses a qualitative, phenomenological approach with 40 out of 280 students participating.

Students interacted with diabetic patients and wrote monthly reports on various aspects of patient experiences.

The analysis covered five main domains of student-patient interaction and understanding: patient's personal profile, patient perspective and illness behavior, functional disability and exposure to health risks, patient's opinions about the medical staff they interacted with, and a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's experience with chronic illness.

Ethical Considerations: The Alkindy College of Medicine Ethics Committee approved the study, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines for human subject research.

Results: Students showed improved recognition of comprehensive care importance, including psychosocial aspects.

There was better understanding of patient challenges, including treatment costs and family support roles.

Increased empathy and appreciation for effective doctor-patient communication was observed.

Students gained greater awareness of psychosocial aspects of chronic illness.

Conclusions and Significance: The module strengthened students' sense of professional responsibility and removed barriers of fear in patient interactions. Students developed a deeper appreciation for holistic healthcare. This approach addresses often-understudied psychosocial issues in chronic disease management. Early exposure to chronic patient care complexities for pre-clinical students is provided. The module may contribute to producing more empathetic and well-rounded future physicians.

Overall Impact: This study highlights the potential benefits of integrating immersive, patient-centered experiences into early medical education. It suggests that such approaches could lead to more comprehensive and empathetic healthcare provision in the future. This study appears to be a valuable contribution to medical education research, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness management. It aligns with growing trends in medical education that focus on patient-centered care and holistic approaches to healthcare.

BIOGRAPHIES

Abdul-Salam S. Sultan

- Education: Degrees: BA in Sociology, MBChB, Diploma in Internal Medicine

- Professional Role: Current Position: Senior Lecturer, University of Baghdad, Al-Kindy Medical College (2023-present)

- Specialization: Communication Skills in Healthcare

- Achievements:

  - Fellowship: EACH Fellowship from the European Association for Communication in Healthcare (2022)

  - Awards: Best Medical Award from the Iraqi Medical Syndicate (2002) for the book "The New Medical Encounter and Its Basic Techniques"

- Professional Contributions: Advisory Role: Member of the advisory committee and national representative of the International Association for Communication in Healthcare since 2021

  - Founder: Communication Skills project at the Ministry of Health, Iraq (2007)

  - Curriculum Development: Expert in communication skills teaching and curriculum building for Iraqi medical colleges since 2016

  - Training Initiatives: Cascade training for communication skills in the Kurdistan Region (2020-2021)

  - Course Management: Communication Skills Courses Manager at Iraqi Medical Association for newly graduated doctors (2018-present)

- Publications: Authored numerous books and articles on communication skills in medicine, including a Communication Skills textbook in Arabic (4th edition).

- Keynote Speaker:

- Presented at the First Middle East Healthcare Communication Conference (2020) on teaching and learning communication skills in Arabic-speaking countries.

Professor Yousif AbdulRaheem: I am a Community Medicine Consultant with a deep passion for medical education and research. I currently serve as the Chairman of the Scientific Council for Family and Community Medicine Specialties at the Iraqi Board for Medical Specializations. For over 20 years, I have been teaching medical research to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. I have a strong interest in curriculum development and had the privilege of serving as the Head of Curriculum Development at Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, for five years. During this time, I worked on designing and implementing innovative educational approaches to meet the evolving needs of medical education. In addition to my teaching and leadership roles, I am an Associate Editor for the Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal, where I contribute to the advancement of medical research and knowledge. My goal is to continue fostering excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery in Iraq.

Prof. Al Haidari is a renowned advocate for maternal health improvement in Iraq, lauded for her

unwavering dedication and impactful contributions. As Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs and

Students at Al Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and one of the pillars of medical

education at the college, meanwhile a consultant in Obs. & Gyn. at Elwiyah Maternity Teaching

Hospital, she spearheads initiatives to enhance maternal and newborn care quality through the

establishment of national guidelines and innovative healthcare tools. Dr. Al Haidari's leadership

extends to research, where she serves as a principal investigator, driving policy changes and

receiving accolades for her publications. Her remarkable achievements include being awarded the

prestigious FIGO award in 2018 and in a later time on 2023 the honorary fellowship from RCOG

for her outstanding contributions to women's health and research, solidifying her status as a

trailblazer in obstetrics and gynecology in Iraq. With a background in medicine from Baghdad

College of Medicine and Arab Board certification in Obs. & Gyn., Dr. Al Haidari continues to lead

transformative initiatives in reproductive and maternal health, advocating for women's rights and

empowering communities. She also holds the position of President of the Iraqi Society of

Obstetrics and Gynecology.