Living with ‘melanoma’ … for a day: a phenomenological analysis of medical students’ simulated experiences

Abstract

By means of a novel simulation, medical students were introduced to lived experiences of having a melanoma. Such an inexpensive simulation can prompt students to reflect critically on the empathetic care of such patients in the future.

Exploring the perspectives of dermatology undergraduates with an escape room game

“…In this instance, the flipped course led to improved examination results and overall satisfaction in taught content. When considering the curriculum as a tool for growth and meaning, there are examples of the use of simulation on developing critical reflection and empathy, with transformative sessions such as living with ‘melanoma’ for a day …”

Six of the best: how excellent qualitative research can contribute to practice

“…Our qualitative reviewers are stringent and rightly so. We aim to publish only the best qualitative work in the BJD – and six papers (Table ) have been selected for the special section . The studies offer insights into some of the intriguing ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ questions in our field.…”

“…Corr and colleagues used a broadly phenomenological approach with structured template analysis to examine, through both audio diaries and interviews, medical students’ simulated experiences of living with a melanoma for 24 h. This study pushes qualitative methods in a novel direction by using them to evaluate experiential learning in a medical education context. Wearing a melanoma tattoo, the students experienced a range of reactions similar to those of newly diagnosed patients.…”

Applying qualitative research in dermatology: understanding lived experience

“…In this issue of the BJD , Corr et al . report on a novel simulation‐based learning activity to develop medical students’ understanding of the experience of having a melanoma.…”

“…These include demonstrating sensitivity to context; explicitly addressing rigour; coherence and transparency; and potential impact (including practical and/or applied relevance). Corr and colleagues have undertaken a piece of work with clear applied value, and have chosen (and clearly explicate) a sound qualitative approach in keeping with their research topic. They have used Template Analysis to analyse their findings, a well‐delineated form of thematic analysis which can congruently be utilized with an interpretive phenomenological stance.…”