Faculty prefer continuity with medical students in the emergency department

Emerg Med J. 2013 Apr;30(4):327-8. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2012-201386. Epub 2012 May 1.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this investigation was to better understand emergency medicine (EM) faculty opinions as they relate to continuity with students.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of faculty supervising students completing an EM clerkship. Student schedules were aligned to maximise continuity with faculty. Faculty completed surveys prior to the start of the study and again at the end of the study period.

Results: Faculty generally indicated a favourable opinion regarding continuity with students. Significant change was noted in two survey questions from pre- to post-intervention: faculty reported higher motivation to teach and felt the students' learning experience was better with improved continuity.

Conclusion: EM faculty express theoretical optimism regarding the value of improved continuity between teacher and learner. This positive sentiment persisted after actual experience with students on a shift allocation model that aligns faculty and student schedules.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Clerkship / organization & administration*
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / organization & administration*
  • Emergency Medicine / education*
  • Faculty, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Mentors
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires