Reinventing Undergraduate Clinical Placements with a Switch to Delivery by Clinical Teaching Fellows

Abstract

Purpose Undergraduate clinical placements have the potential for significant improvement. Previous research has shown the growing value of clinical teaching fellows (CTFs) within medical education. Changing traditional placements to a model whereby CTFs have defined roles and lead the majority of teaching can positively reinvent undergraduate clinical teaching. We wanted to see how a structured teaching programme delivered by CTFs could affect student experience and personal development within a large associate teaching hospital. We consider how such a model could be implemented and explore the opportunities for CTFs to develop in personal and professional capacities. Methods A mixed methods study was organised to assess student experience of a CTF-led placement. A novel structured teaching programme was delivered by 14 CTFs, who provided or were involved with the majority of teaching for all medical students. Thematic analysis was conducted on focus groups with 48 final year medical students from Queen Mary University of London following completion of their clinical placements. The same students were asked to complete an anonymous survey from which results were analysed using modified 5-point Likert scales. Results Eight themes were identified from the focus groups. Students appreciated the increased individualisation, relevance and variety of teaching and the ability to record progress. Other perceived effects were higher teacher to student ratios, more learning opportunities and increased familiarity and reliability with CTFs. Of the students surveyed, 96% felt their overall placement experience was very good in comparison to previous placements elsewhere. Survey results supported focus group themes and demonstrated perceived growth in students’ personal development. Conclusion Placement models where CTFs lead most teaching can improve medical undergraduate experience and training. A move towards CTF-delivered teaching can be of financial benefit to hospital trusts whilst allowing time for junior doctors to explore different clinical specialities and hone their teaching skills.

Becas para la formación de médicos especialistas académicos del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile

“…Experiencias en Reino Unido han mostrado beneficios al asignar actividad docente de pregrado formal a los residentes de programas académicos en parte de su horario. Ellos ganan experiencia en docencia, auditorias clínicas, gestión clínica y académica en general 5 . Nuestros resultados muestran ausencia de proyectos de educación y de publicaciones docentes.…”

Reinventing Undergraduate Clinical Placements with a Switch to Delivery by Clinical Teaching Fellows: A Medical Student’s Perspective [Letter]

“…We have read the article “Reinventing Undergraduate Clinical Placements with a Switch to Delivery by Clinical Teaching Fellows” by Hossain et al 1 The authors of this manuscript provide insight into the current restrictions experienced by medical students on clinical placements whilst subsequently offering a solution to improve their educational experience. We wanted to objectively critique this study from our personal experiences of clinical placements and integration into hospital teams.…”

“…In summary, Hossain et al have provided various themes and insights which indicate the implementation of CTFs at teaching hospitals would be beneficial. 1 From a student perspective, the use of CTFs is not only advantageous but necessary to ensure a productive educational environment and allow progressive longitudinal learning throughout a clinical placement. However, additional qualitative and quantitative information piloting the role of CTFs assigned to first clinical year students would be useful to further substantiate the claim that mentorship during placements will improve student experience.…”

Reinventing Undergraduate Clinical Placements with a Switch to Delivery by Clinical Teaching Fellows: A Medical Student’s Perspective [Response to Letter]

“… 1 From a teaching perspective, our study demonstrates how a clinical teaching fellow (CTF) led teaching programme can significantly improve medical student experience on hospital placements. 2 The authors’ observation that traditional undergraduate clinical placements are outdated was one of the reasons for the implementation of our novel teaching model.…”