MEDICAL-SCHOOL COMMUNITY DIALOG - A SURVEY OF CURRENT INITIATIVES IN CANADA AND THE UNITED-STATES

Background. Medical schools are being challenged to respond to societal needs and to engage in dialogue with the public, but there are few empirical data on the extent and nature of such efforts. Method. In early 1992, the associate deans for medical education at all accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada were surveyed regarding public involvement in their schools. Their descriptive responses were analyzed by computer search for key words, and correlations were determined between response categories and the schools' characteristics. Results. Of the 95 responding schools (66%), 59 (62%) regularly involved members of the public in administrative bodies, usually those related to research, admission, hospital boards, and undergraduate education. Community-based schools were more likely to involve the public. Sixty schools (63%) had taken steps to identify community needs, and these schools showed evidence of greater public involvement in administration. The respondents perceived public involvement as beneficial, primarily for building commitment between a school and its community. Conclusion. In contrast to concerns about declining trust between medical schools and the public, the impressions of the 95 respondents about public involvement in their schools were positive. The survey results suggest that such involvement builds mutual understanding and represents a direct and constructive response to declining trust.