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Article
Impact of a Required Service-Learning Curriculum on Preclinical Students
The Journal of Physician Assistant Education
(2018)
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of brief service-learning curricula on physician assistant (PA) students is not well reported. This study explores student learning immediately and then one to 2 years after a preclinical service-learning experience through written reflections and a survey.
Methods
The 16-hour curriculum within a behavioral science course involved community immersion and engagement with underserved clients. Reflections written by students from 3 consecutive classes were coded for major themes, and theme frequency was assessed. We then administered a survey to explore the curricular impact after students completed their clinical clerkships.
Results
All students (132/132) completed the required curriculum. We identified 4 major themes from 132 reflections. The themes were (most to least frequent) self-discovery (54/132), patient focus (30/132), community resources (28/132), and patient–provider relationship (20/132). The primary attitude change (self-discovery) was student awareness of their own biases and recognition of the need for cultural humility when caring for underserved clients. In the postcurriculum survey (response 69/95), students recalled community resources as the most important learning, followed by self-discovery. Students viewed the curriculum positively and noted that the exposure increased their comfort with caring for underserved patients in their clerkships.
Conclusions
Immersion in a community-based service-learning experience with underserved clients is associated with increased self-awareness and intent to change behavior. Students perceive the experience as important for future clerkships. Preclinical service-learning curricula prepare students to care for underserved patients.
Keywords
- Service learning,
- cultural humility
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer 2018
DOI
10.1097/JPA.0000000000000193
Citation Information
Christopher Forest and Desiree Lie. "Impact of a Required Service-Learning Curriculum on Preclinical Students" The Journal of Physician Assistant Education Vol. 29 Iss. 2 (2018) p. 70 - 76 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/christopher-forest/36/