Exploring the Impact of Group Size on KANSAS JOURNAL of MEDIC INE Medical Students’ Perception of Learning and Professional Development During Clinical Rotations

Abstract

Introduction. Research assessing the size of learning groups inmedical education and how that affects the learner’s experience islimited. The main goals of the study were to (1) assess the effect ofvarying group size on medical students’ subjective experiences duringclinical years. We hypothesized that students in smaller groups weremore likely to have better experiences during clinical rotation thanthose in larger groups, and (2) determine if medical students havedesirable experiences working with other medical learners (fellows,residents, osteopathic students, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners)during clinical rotations. Methods. The study utilized a mixed method approach where 153medical students in their clinical years were asked to complete a10-item survey. A linear-by-linear association test of trend andMann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the students’ quantitativedata. A multidisciplinary team used an immersion-crystallizationapproach to analyze the content of the students’ qualitative data. Results. There was a 90% (137/153) response rate. Most students(80%) reported desirable experiences during clinical rotationsbecause of supportive learning environments, engaging preceptors,willingness of residents to teach, as well as the opportunity to participatein patient care. There were significant differences in students’perceived clinical experiences as a function of group size, wheregroups of two students were preferable over groups of four or more. Conclusions. Varying group size appears to affect students’ clinicalexperiences. Kans J Med 2018;11(3):70-75.