Analysis of physical learning spaces in a university hospital: A case study

Abstract

Background

Attributes of physical learning spaces can facilitate or hinder learning. There are few studies about this topic in hospitals. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics of physical learning spaces in a university hospital.

Methods

The setting was a large research-oriented public university hospital in Mexico City, affiliated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico. An intrinsic case study design was conducted with two instruments: a questionnaire to identify physical learning spaces and their attributes; the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS), an instrument used to evaluate spaces’ characteristics that promote effective learning.

Results

49 medical students and 60 internal medicine residents responded to the questionnaire. The attributes with the highest importance for students were: instructor physical availability, silence, comfort of the seating furniture, and Internet access. The study authors directly performed an evaluation of the learning spaces using the LSRS tool, the sections’ scores were: clinical ward discussion room (74%), external consultation unit (71%), auditorium (70%), classroom (68%), library (66%), and the hospitalization room (61%).

Conclusions

Physical learning spaces in medical training can be formally assessed to identify the attributes that students consider relevant for learning and provide needed information for redesign and reuse of spaces. Medical education scholars and trainees should be involved in the design and evaluation of university and hospital buildings.

Keywords:

• Learning spaces
• clinical teaching
• learning environment
• learning landscape

Glossary

Physical learning space: A physical place where learning occurs.

Formal physical learning space: A physical space specifically designed and used for the purpose of learning.

Informal physical learning space: A physical space used for learning that was not intended for this purpose.

Learning Space Rating System: A scoring system that provides a set of measurable criteria to assess how well the design of physical learning spaces support and enable active learning.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no declarations of interest to report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrea R. Flores-Sánchez

Andrea R. Flores-Sánchez, MD, MScEd, is a graduate of the Master in Health Sciences Education program, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in Mexico City, Mexico.

Carlos Gutiérrez-Cirlos

Carlos Gutiérrez-Cirlos, MD, MScEd, PhD, is an internist and clinician educator at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition “Salvador Zubirán,” Mexico City, Mexico.

Melchor Sánchez-Mendiola

Melchor Sánchez-Mendiola, MD, MHPE, PhD, is a pediatrician, Professor of Medical Education at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Faculty of Medicine, in Mexico City, Mexico.