Patient-centred learning in practice. A mixed methods study of supervision and learning in student clinics

• Published in: Patient education and counseling Vol. 112; p. 107717
• Main Authors: Kjær, Louise Binow, Nielsen, Karl-Johan Schmidt, Christensen, Mette Krogh, Strand, Pia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Autonomy-supportive supervision; Clinical Competence; Clinical placement; Education, Medical; Educational Sciences; Humans; Learning; Patient-centred learning; Person-centred learning; Samhällsvetenskap; Social Sciences; Student clinic; Students, Medical; Utbildningsvetenskap; Person-centred learning; Autonomy-supportive supervision; Patient-centred learning; Student clinic; Clinical placement
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107717

Patient-centred learning (PCL) allows medical students to practice a patient-centred approach; however, didactic characteristics of PCL have yet to be fully elucidated. Clinical placements structured as a student clinic (SC) enable authentic student-patient learning relations through enhanced student responsibility and can serve as examples of PCL. We explored the didactic characteristics of supervision and learning in SCs to provide recommendations for PCL-oriented medical education. Triangulation mixed methods study based on qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews with clinical teachers and quantitative data collected from student evaluations of supervision and learning in the SCs. Supervision and learning in SCs were characterized by 1) a focus on student-patient compatibility and patient needs and resources, which indicated PCL, 2) person-centred explorative supervision to adjust challenges to students’ needs and resources, and 3) support of student autonomy to take responsibility for patient treatment. PCL was facilitated by clinical teachers through a dual person-centred didactic approach combined with autonomy-supportive didactic practice. This enabled the integration of patients’ and students’ needs and resources in clinical teaching. Clinical teachers can stimulate student-patient learning relations by selecting patients, exploring students’ needs and resources, and supporting student autonomy through reflective practice and backup. •Patient-centred learning (PCL) enables student-patient learning relations.•Through PCL, medical students can develop a patient-centred approach.•Clinical teaching in student clinics can provide didactic recommendations for PCL.•PCL involves a dual didactic approach valuing students and patients as persons.•PCL involves a didactic practice that resembles autonomy-supportive supervision.