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

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 < .01). Significance for communication, holism, and the teaching-learning dyad was demonstrated comparing the traditional clinical experience to the simulated experience (p < .05). Pharmacy students felt their critical thinking skills were more significantly improved after the simulated environment (p < .05). Males more significantly favored teaching-learning dyad simulation vs. the traditional environment (F = 5.86, p < .05). Qualitative comments regarding the interprofessional experience included themes of teamwork, patient communication, and clinical skills. CONCLUSION: When comparing a traditional clinical experience in an interprofessional student-run clinic vs. previous simulated learning clinical environment, physician assistant, pharmacy, and medical students qualitatively and quantitatively perceive their learning needs are greater met in the volunteer student-run clinic for communication, holism, and the teaching-learning dyad. There were variations in preferences based on sex and discipline of the student.