An investigation into the matrix of support for medical students on hospital placement : a case study

• Main Author: Morley, David J
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Birmingham 2020
• Subjects: LB2300 Higher Education

Historically, consultants oversaw students on placements as part of 'firms'. More recently, however, new roles have emerged that have dedicated educational support functions. The overall aim of this thesis is to investigate the structure of support for University of Birmingham medical students on hospital placements using a social learning theory lens. This in-depth, single site study begins with an investigation of how a newly introduced role of Senior Academy Tutor (SAT) supports students on hospital placement, followed by an exploration of the wider support matrix available to students. The first phase used routinely collected evaluation data to gauge Year 5 student sentiment about the SAT role, and then explored key themes with student focus groups and interviews with SATs. The second phase used a questionnaire survey to investigate how different roles support Year 3 to 5 students during their hospital placements. Key findings were that students' orientation to their learning and to the matrix of support roles changes as they progress through the MBChB programme. From being concerned with learning basic skills and passing exams, students become more interested in learning the role of a junior doctor and joining the hospital community of practice.