Peer physical examination: time to revisit?

Outram, Suzanne

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02437.x

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In reply: Marley states that consent for peer physical examination “always contains elements of coercion”. It could be argued that this applies equally to medical practice and research, as one can never be 100% sure that participants have not felt some coercion. The ethical imperative is to balance the issues, to gain the best outcome.

School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW.

Correspondence: sue.outram@newcastle.edu.au

1. Outram S, Nair BR. Peer physical examination: time to revisit? Med J Aust 2008; 189: 274-276. <eMJA full text> <MJA full text>
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3. Rees CE, Bradley P, McLachlan JC. Exploring medical students’ attitudes towards peer physical examination. Med Teach 2004; 26: 86-88.
4. O’Neill PA, Larcombe C, Duffy K, Dorman TL. Medical students’ willingness and reactions to learning basic skills through examining fellow students. Med Teach 1998; 20: 433-437.

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