Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS Human Genetics

Department

Human Genetics Graduate Program

Abstract

FRAME (Faces Redefining the Art of Medical Education) is a web-based platform created by Positive Exposure, a non-profit organization. FRAME uses digital story telling (DST) by presenting short educational films and image galleries aimed to help healthcare professionals and students gain an understanding of genetic conditions and disability. Families demonstrate hallmark characteristics in the context of a story to make the video educational and true to life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of FRAME videos for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) and familial dysautonomia (FD) in improving students’ attitudes about disability. Fourth year medical students were recruited by email from three accredited U.S. medical schools. Participants were randomly prompted to read about one of two conditions on Medscape and then complete the Attitudes to Disability Scale (ADS), a validated 16-item survey. They watched the FRAME video on the same condition and completed the ADS again. Participants completed a survey to explore learning preferences and gather feedback on the videos. 48 out of 549 medical students participated in the study (FD n=27, 22q11.2 DS n=21). Significant attitude improvements were found in the Inclusion, Discrimination, Positive Gains and Current/Future Hopes subscales of the ADS for the 22q11.2 DS video and in the Positive Gains subscale for the FD video. The majority of participants preferred the FRAME video for long-term retention (FD 88%, 22q11.2 DS 86%). Most participants (FD 85.7%, 22q11.2 DS 86.4%) agreed or strongly agreed the FRAME video gave them insight into living with a disability. Forty-two students (87.5%) agreed or strongly agreed they learn best with audio, visual and text resources. The results suggest the FRAME videos improved medical students’ attitudes related to multiple aspects of disability associated with 22q11.2 DS and a specific aspect of disability associated with FD. Our study shows DST is an effective way to improve medical students’ attitudes towards individuals with genetic conditions and disabilities.

Included in

Genetics Commons

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