The Student Navigator Project (SNaP): Preparing Students Through Longitudinal Learning

Abstract

Introduction Early medical school education has historically focused on teaching basic medical sciences. More recently, medical schools are encouraged to incorporate health systems science (HSS) into early curricula. Addressing all of these components in an overcrowded curriculum remains challenging. Methods We report on the Student Navigator Project (SNaP), a pre-clinical experience where students engage longitudinally with medically and socially complex patients. SNaP is built on a foundation of trust, responsibility, and ownership in the studentpatient relationship. Early learners take an active role in navigating, advocating, and coaching for their patients. In addition, students are integrated as medical assistants into a primary care clinic; complete a mentored, team-based quality improvement project; and engage in evidence-based medicine, teaching, and handoff activities. Results As a result of these activities, students learn firsthand about HSS, contribute meaningfully to their patients' care, and are immersed in a systems-based practice approach early in their medical school education. Preliminary outcomes (2016)(2017)(2018)(2019) show satisfaction with the program and knowledge of program focus areas. Conclusions The authors are engaged in improvement cycles to modify program structure and curriculum in order to promote dissemination in diverse clinical settings. Ultimately, we plan to measure longer-term outcomes, including clerkship and residency preparation, career choice, and practice setting.

Early longitudinal experiences increase medical student self-efficacy

“…Students completed a mentored group improvement project in their clinic, supplemented by improvement science didactics. Lastly, students practiced evidence-based medicine presentations and completed a communication curriculum on trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and health coaching ( Hasan et al, 2020 ). (2) The longitudinal family medicine preceptorship in which students were paired with one family medicine provider for 10 months in the pre-clinical years of medical school.…”