Challenges in experiential learning during transition to clinical practice: a comparative analysis of reflective writing assignments during general practice, paediatrics and psychiatry clerkships.
Introduction: This study explored the reflective writing (RW) of senior medical students across a co-ordinated reflection education programme in General Practice, Paediatrics and Psychiatry clerkships during their transition to clinical clerkships. The study compared RW themes from within and across three clerkships in order to understand the influence clerkships had on experiential learning and developing professional identity.
Methods: All medical students in their penultimate year were invited to participate in the study. 135 reflection assignments were analysed. A qualitative thematic analysis of students' RW was performed. An inductive approach was used and data saturation was achieved.
Results: Clerkship specific themes were the intimacy of the experience in General Practice, the powerlessness students felt and the challenge of delivering family centred care in Paediatrics and the sense of perceived risk in Psychiatry. Common themes across the three clerkships were of emotional struggles in developing a professional identity.
Conclusion: There is an educational need for developmental space for students during General Practice, greater focus on preparing students for relationship building during Paediatrics and addressing stigma and personal safety issues in students during the Psychiatry clerkships. Across clerkships there is a need for better use of evidence based pedagogies to support emotional development.
History
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Medical Teacher on August 2020, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/0142159X.2020.1803250.Published Citation
Stuart E, O'Leary D, Rowntree R, Carey C, O'Rourke L, O'Brien E, Walsh A, Russell V. Challenges in experiential learning during transition to clinical practice: a comparative analysis of reflective writing assignments during general practice, paediatrics and psychiatry clerkships. Medical Teacher. 2020; Aug 10:1-8Publication Date
2020External DOI
PubMed ID
32776857Department/Unit
- General Practice
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Research Area
- Population Health and Health Services
- Health Professions Education
Embargo Required
10/08/2021Publisher
Taylor & FrancisVersion
- Accepted Version (Postprint)