Personal values among first-year medical and nursing students: A cross-sectional comparative study.

Abstract Background Collaboration in healthcare is essential but differences in personal values can be a potential source of disagreements between physicians and nurses. Objectives The purpose of this study was to verify if and to what extent there were divergences in the personal values profile between medical and nursing students at the beginning of their education and training. A second aim was to explore gender differences in personal values. Design This is an observational cross-sectional study. Settings This study was conducted at one University in northern Italy. Participants We compared the personal values of 393 first-year medical students with those of 403 first-year nursing students. Methods The Portrait Values Questionnaire-40 was administered and analyses of variance were performed to assess degree group and gender differences in terms of personal values. Results Medical students scored significantly higher than nursing ones on values related to dominance over others and personal success. Female students significantly outscored males on personal values that reflect other-oriented and social focus, whereas male students obtained higher scores than females on personal values related to personal and selfish orientation. Conclusions Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values may be a valuable theoretical framework for interprofessional education to promote a common reflection on personal values held by medical and nursing students since the early years of study.