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Medical student learning on a distributed training platform in rural district hospitals

Authors :
Andrew J. Ross
Thandaza C. Nkabinde
Bernhard Gaede
Source :
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, Vol 16, Iss 1, Pp e1-e8 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
AOSIS, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Decentralising medical school training enhances curriculum relevance, exposing students to generalist patient care in diverse contexts. Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the student experiences of learning during their 7-week Family Medicine rural rotation. Setting: Final year medical students who had completed their Family Medicine rotation in November 2022. Methods: A qualitative study involving 24 final year students (four semi- structured interviews and four focus group discussions [4 x 5 students]). All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Analysis revealed positive learning experiences and identified the following themes: taking responsibility for learning, the generalist context, teaching and learning in context and managing the learning environment. Conclusion: Active participation in hospital activities, exposure to disorientating dilemmas that challenged assumptions and reflection on these experiences led to transformative learning and knowledge co-construction. Contribution: The study contributes to the discussion and reinforces the advantages of distributed, experiential training, highlighting the positive impact of meaningful participation and transformative learning opportunities.

Details

Language :
English, French
ISSN :
20712928 and 20712936
Volume :
16
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5a046614e714ac8a6ad937389f49d6d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4539