Impact of participation in timeslips, a creative group-based storytelling program, on medical student attitudes toward persons with dementia: A qualitative study

Purpose:To evaluate whether medical student participation in TimeSlips (TS), a creative group-based storytelling program, with persons affected by dementia would improve student attitudes toward this patient population.Design and Methods:Fifteen fourth-year medical students from Penn State College of Medicine participated in a month-long regimen of TS sessions at a retirement community. Student course evaluations were analyzed at the conclusion of the program to examine perceived qualitative changes in attitude.Findings: Qualitative data revealed insights into the manner in which student attitudes toward a geriatric patient population became more positive.Implications:This is the first known pilot study to suggest that participation in a creative group-based storytelling program might improve medical student attitudes toward persons with dementia.