Creating transformational learning experiences for 21st century healthcare students through preclinical skills training at a South African university
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Date
2024
Authors
van der Merwe, Anke
van Vuuren, Corlia Janse
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC
Abstract
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Creating an inclusive interprofessional teaching and learning community can enhance student engagement and ultimately develop essential graduate attributes (GA) (also known as generic, transferable, core, soft, work-ready or nontechnical skills). The early practical development of GA within a diverse space is essential in health profession education, as students experience the transition to clinical training as challenging.
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This paper describes the conceptualization and implementation of an inclusive interprofessional curriculum focused on GA development in the preclinical years.
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A phased multimethod research design was applied. Phase 1 focused on the conceptualization of a preclinical GA development curriculum through a consensus-seeking process among all staff in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Nโ=โ36). Subsequently, in Phase 2, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from participating first-year students (Nโ=โ135) as an early curricular implementation review. Descriptive statistical analyses for quantitative and thematic analyses for qualitative data were performed.
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During Phase 1, five themes were identified (Ethics, Professionalism, General principles for interventions, Organizations and institutions, Management) informing preclinical curriculum development. Forty-one first-year students (30%) participated in Phase 2. The majority of participants (87%) indicated that they had a positive learning experience during Phase 2. Students expressed that engagement was encouraged (83%) within a space of mutual respect (83%), with interprofessional groups assisting in building โa trusting environment and a supportive oneโ. Students indicated they โliked that it [module] wasnโt just about one topicโ, as it concretized that โthere is more to being a healthcare professional that just treating peopleโ.
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GA development provides an invaluable opportunity for interprofessional engagement. Creating a diverse and inclusive curricular space through multimodal and interprofessional training, GA training was transformed to be more practical and future-focused, creating a positive learning experience. Future research should focus on the longer-term impact of this practical, preclinical GA development during the transition of these students into the clinical training space.
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Citation
van der Merwe, A., & van Vuuren, C. J. (2024). Creating transformational learning experiences for 21st century healthcare students through preclinical skills training at a South African university. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 198. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05177-9