Perceptions, awareness and influences of medical students towards plastic surgery: A systematic review

Sevasti Panagiota Glynou; Christina Anna Petmeza; Ariadni Georgiannakis; Sara Sousi; Alexander Zargaran; David Zargaran; Afshin Mosahebi

doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2024.04.003

Perceptions, awareness and influences of medical students towards plastic surgery: A systematic review

JPRAS Open. 2024 Apr 8:40:320-335. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.04.003. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Sevasti Panagiota Glynou^{1

2}, Christina Anna Petmeza¹, Ariadni Georgiannakis¹, Sara Sousi³, Alexander Zargaran^{3

4}, David Zargaran^{3

4}, Afshin Mosahebi^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
² Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
³ Department of Plastic Surgery, University College London, London, UK.
⁴ Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.

Abstract

Introduction: Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (PRAS) is a significant yet often overlooked specialty in medical school curricula. The impact of social media and unregulated information sources can distort the perceptions of medical specialties, including PRAS, leading to a decline in student interest, inappropriate referrals and strain on healthcare services. This systematic review aimed to understand the perceptions of medical students towards PRAS, identify influencing factors and explore strategies to address these influences.

Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Four databases were searched, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data from 17 relevant studies were analysed in Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Medical students generally held positive perceptions about PRAS, particularly regarding career opportunities, specialised skills and the nature of the specialty. However, their awareness of the full scope of plastic surgery is limited, with a focus on cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Social media and the internet significantly influenced the students' perceptions, whereas personal experiences had a minor impact. Education and training in plastic surgery positively affected the students' perceptions. Nevertheless, there is a need for improved representation of PRAS in medical school curricula and promotion of accurate information through reliable sources.

Conclusion: Students exhibited a favourable attitude towards plastic surgery, but their knowledge of the specialty can be enhanced. Strengthening PRAS teaching in medical schools and ensuring accurate information dissemination can foster a deeper understanding and interest in this field. Large-scale studies with standardised protocols should be conducted in different countries to gain comprehensive insights tailored to specific educational contexts.

Keywords: Medical education; Perceptions; Plastic surgery.

Publication types

Review