Praxis-Informed Pointers: A Student Guide for Optimizing Clinical Learning in a Resource-Constrained Setting

Abstract

Issue: Health professions education (HPE) is intimately linked with teaching and learning in the clinical environment. While the value of authentic clinical experiences is acknowledged, whether learning actually occurs is to a large extent dependent on students’ behaviors and attitudes. The kinds of student behaviors and attitudes that are necessary to optimize learning in the clinical environment thus becomes relevant. Evidence: Tips and recommendations to maximize clinical learning in a variety of settings have been well documented. There is, however, a dearth of literature which takes a narrative-based praxis approach focused on resource-constrained environments. We developed this praxis-orientated article as a means to translate the available literature and theory into a simple, practical guide, focused on optimizing clinical learning from a student perspective, remaining cognizant of the particular challenges present in a resource-constrained setting. Implications: Based on the resource-constrained environments our students are exposed to, we outline the following six key aspects: student-driven learning, integration into the community of practice, student engagement, empathy, interprofessional learning opportunities, and feedback for learning. These aspects provide useful pointers for students in general. Furthermore, exploration into what strategies students may utilize in resource-constrained clinical contexts is addressed.

Keywords:

• Clinical environment
• medical student learning
• student engagement
• clinical learning
• resource constrained

Acknowledgements

None.

Author contributions

All listed authors contributed to this manuscript in line with the ICMJE Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. EA, LG, RM, AAN, and LS collaborated equally on the development of the original concept for this work, compiled the first draft of the manuscript, made extensive changes and edits to the manuscript as it was developed, and approved the final version. All listed authors have agreed to be accountable for all aspects of this work.

Disclosure statement

All authors have no conflict of interest to report.