A Qualitative Study of Preclinical Medical Students Randomized to Patient-Partnered vs Traditional Clinical Experiences

Authors

Joyce W. Tang, University of ChicagoFollow
Tia Kostas, University of ChicagoFollow
Anshu Verma, CareMoreFollow
Valerie G. Press, University of ChicagoFollow
Josef Kushner, Lenox Hill HospitalFollow
Nicole Gier, University of ChicagoFollow
Lauren O. Wiklund, Michigan State UniversityFollow
Vineet M. Arora, University of ChicagoFollow
Jeanne Farnan, University of ChicagoFollow
David O. Meltzer, University of ChicagoFollow

Publication Date

10-18-2022

Keywords

patient-centered learning, longitudinal clinical experience, empathy, medical education, training

Abstract

Purpose: Longitudinal patient-partnered experiences may promote medical student empathy, but evaluation of such programs is limited. The aim of this study was to compare areas of learning among first-year medical students randomized to a patient-centered track (PCT) or traditional track (TT) longitudinal clinical experience.

Methods: PCT students (n = 24) were paired with 2 patients and a physician to participate in their patients’ care across multiple settings. TT students (n = 56) were paired with a physician preceptor and participated in caring for a variety of patients in a single setting. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to template analysis, examining and comparing student reflective essays for areas of learning.

Results: Three domains of learning emerged: 1) Focus of learning (biomedical, patient-centered); 2) Roles and relationships (clinical skills, relationship-building, teaching from preceptor and patients); and 3) Context of care (health systems science, interprofessional care). PCT students described patient-centered learning, relationship-building, and patients’ role as teachers. In contrast, TT students emphasized biomedical learning, clinical skills development, and teaching from physician preceptors.

Conclusions: Longitudinal patient-partnered clinical experiences provide rich opportunities for preclinical students to cultivate empathy and develop patient-centered values.

Recommended Citation

Tang JW, Kostas T, Verma A, Press VG, Kushner J, Gier N, Wiklund LO, Arora VM, Farnan J, Meltzer DO. A qualitative study of preclinical medical students randomized to patient-partnered vs traditional clinical experiences. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2022;9:290-7. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1930