Interprofessional Healthcare Student Perceptions of Clinical vs. Simulation Learning Through Participation in Underserved Health Clinics

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research project is to determine how well three health profession student discipline’s learning needs are met through a real clinical interprofessional environment compared to previous simulation experience by assessing student perceptions following participation in a student-run underserved healthcare setting. Methods: Various student-run health clinics were initiated throughout Southwest Ohio in underserved settings precepted by healthcare profession faculty. Physician assistant, pharmacy, and medical student learning needs and interprofessional perceptions were assessed following clinic participation utilizing the Clinical Learning Environment Comparison Survey (CLECS) and qualitative comment to allow objectification of students’ perceptions to different clinical learning environments and the interprofessional setting. Results: The survey had responses from medical, pharmacy, and physician assistant students (n = 60). Overall, students preferred traditional learning environments compared to previous simulated clinical experiences (p