Student access and use of IT during general practice attachments

Abstract

As universities change the delivery of their medical undergraduate courses, many have started to develop the community as a learning resource. In Manchester, part of the rationale behind problem-based learning is that students become familiar with the tools for finding information. Within the medical school and its main teaching hospitals, students have access to varied information resources using IT. These are often less available from off-campus sites and particularly within general practice. Even where available, students may not use them. Initial evaluation suggests that IT facilities are particularly useful for students who have longer placements. However, students prioritize their use of time in the community and furnishing general practices with a computer and other IT equipment does not, in itself, promote use by the students unless there is a perceived need. Training and support within the practice needs to be undertaken to enhance the learning environment for the undergraduates.

A menu to provide quality community placements

“…There is a need to invest in the seasonal resources of books, journals, IT, video recorders and appropriate teaching equipment 13 . Students have commented that the main benefits of IT provision in the practice are as a tool for communication and a learning resource 14 …”

“…A student consultation room allows students to see patients, consider what is wrong and what should be done, prepare, rehearse and present their findings 15 . Space constraints have been widely reported as an obstacle to quality community placements, and a need for revenue costs for teaching accommodation has been identified 3,12–14,16 …”

“…13 Students have commented that the main benefits of IT provision in the practice are as a tool for communication and a learning resource. 14…”

“…15 Space constraints have been widely reported as an obstacle to quality community placements, and a need for revenue costs for teaching accommodation has been identified. 3,[12][13][14]16 Developing skills and attitude A valuable placement is one in which students can broaden their palate and develop new tastes. The skills they cultivate involve communication, problem-solving and patient management.…”

Effect of Electronic Versus Print Format and Different Reading Resources on Knowledge Acquisition in the Third-Year Medicine Clerkship

“…[6][7] Researchers at medical schools in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also reported that following the implementation of computer-based learning resources at the library and in clinical rotations, students both used these resources and thought they were a valuable addition. [8][9][10] The past work on electronic resources to teach clinical medicine suggests that students learn about the same amount of material from electronic resources as they do from print resources, but do so faster. Learners also seem to prefer the electronic resources.…”