[Applying positive psychology to medical education]. / Aplicando psicología positiva en educación médica.

Today we are witnessing an exponential growth in positive psychology (PP), a scientific approach to the most significant purpose of human existence: happiness and meaning of life. As a consequence of PP studies, happiness and wellbeing are now accepted as valid topics of research, despite their subjective and supposedly unscientific essence. Experimental evident indicates that happiness and wellbeing have biological bases and, thus, can be scientifically approached and eventually changed. We believe that we need to learn from this new discipline and apply its discoveries in our profession as medical educators to foster the full development of our students. In this review, we will summarize the major developments and discoveries of PP, and open the debate on the implications of PP offer to medical education.

Aplicando psicología positiva en educación médica / Applying positive psychology to medical education

Today we are witnessing an exponential growth in positive psychology (PP), a scientific approach to the most significant purpose of human existence: happiness and meaning of life. As a consequence of PP studies, happiness and wellbeing are now accepted as valid topics of research, despite their subjective and supposedly unscientific essence. Experimental evident indicates that happiness and wellbeing have biological bases and, thus, can be scientifically approached and eventually changed. We believe that we need to learn from this new discipline and apply its discoveries in our profession as medical educators to foster the full development of our students. In this review, we will summarize the major developments and discoveries of PP, and open the debate on the implications of PP offer to medical education.

Clima laboral en una escuela de medicina. Estudio de seguimiento / Work environment assessment at a medical school

Background: The work environment of an organization has to do with a set of permanent qualities that are experienced by its members. Aim: To assess the work environment perception of faculty members of a Medical School in two different periods (2005 and 2007). Material and methods: A standardized survey was applied to faculty members and Department chairs of the academic units of our Medical School. The survey used the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and included 59 items, distributed in 8 factors. Additionally, there were two groups of statements, indicating the priorities for the School and for the academic departments. Results: In the study performed in year 2005, the survey was answered by a total of 399 faculty members (68 percent) and in year 2007, it was answered by 408 members (68 percent). The global climate perceptions were 66 percent and 68 percent in 2005 and 2007, respectively (ns). Among the dimensions evaluated, communications (p =0,62) and physical conditions (p =0,008) improved in the two years period. Conclusions: The applied instrument was stable and useful to knowing the requirements of the faculty members and for improving the organizational climate.

[Work environment assessment at a medical school]. / Clima laboral en una escuela de medicina. Estudio de seguimiento.

BACKGROUND: The work environment of an organization has to do with a set of permanent qualities that are experienced by its members. AIM: To assess the work environment perception of faculty members of a Medical School in two different periods (2005 and 2007). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized survey was applied to faculty members and Department chairs of the academic units of our Medical School. The survey used the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and included 59 items, distributed in 8 factors. Additionally, there were two groups of statements, indicating the priorities for the School and for the academic departments. RESULTS: In the study performed in year 2005, the survey was answered by a total of 399 faculty members (68%) and in year 2007, it was answered by 408 members (68%). The global climate perceptions were 66% and 68% in 2005 and 2007, respectively (ns). Among the dimensions evaluated, communications (p =0,62) and physical conditions (p =0,008) improved in the two years period. CONCLUSIONS: The applied instrument was stable and useful to knowing the requirements of the faculty members and for improving the organizational climate.