A qualitative study of the attitudes to teamwork of graduates from a traditional and an integrated undergraduate medical course.
BACKGROUND
In 1994 the University of Manchester medical school introduced an integrated undergraduate course using problem-based learning throughout. This study explores differences between the new and old (traditional) course graduates' attitudes to, and conceptualization of, teamwork.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 graduates of the traditional course (graduating in 1998) and 23 from the new course (1999 graduates), representing approximately 14% of graduates from each cohort. Theories were then developed from concepts emerging from the data.


RESULTS
The new course graduates (NCGs) had a broader view of members of a health professional team. The NCGs believed that the medical team should provide support and were more comfortable consulting them when faced with problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The new curriculum has had some impact on conceptualization and attitude to teamwork. However, further development is required if graduates are to see themselves as part of a multi-professional team.
Willis
Sarah
S
University of Manchester, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Manchester M14 5NP, UK. sarah.willis@man.ac.uk
Jones
Alison
A
McArdle
Patricia
P
O'Neill
Paul A
PA
D001290:Attitude; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010348:Patient Care Team; D036301:Qualitative Research; D006113:United Kingdom