Near-peers improve patient safety training in the preclinical curriculum

Figures & data

Figure 1. Course ratings by year.

Figure 2. Resident ratings by year.

Table 1. Patient safety course structure by year.

Demographics	Year 1 (2011)	Year 2 (2012)	Year 3 (2013)	Year 4 (2014)
Total number of students	184	189	191	184
Number of student responses	177	184	181	184
Student response rate	96%	97%	95%	100%
Teaching assistants (TA)	Student Peer	Resident	Resident	Resident
Number of TAs	8	18*	27*	25*
Number of small groups	30	32	19	20
Number of students per group	6	12	8–10	8–10
Teaching modalities	Modified team learning	Modified team learning	2 didactic, 5 PBL small group	2 didactic, 5 PBL small group, IPE session
	IHI modules	IHI modules	IHI modules	IHI modules
Training	Orientation, weekly and end of course debriefing	Orientation, small group facilitation teaching tips, weekly and end-of-course debriefing	Orientation, formal small group facilitation training, weekly email updates, mid-and end-of-course debriefing.	Orientation, formal small group facilitation training, weekly email updates, mid-and end-of-course debriefing.

Table 2. Comparison of ratings of small group facilitators (RTAs) by academic year.

My small group facilitator (RTA):	AY 12–13	AY 13–14	AY 14–15	Sig*	Effect size (η^2)
	(N = 186)	(N = 188–191)	(N = 187–191)
Was prepared for sessions	6.57	6.80	6.69	0.004	0.021
Encouraged learners to justify thought processes.	6.48	6.70	6.63	0.025	0.014
Created an atmosphere in which learners felt comfortable.	6.70	6.79	6.70	ns
Was respectful of learners.	6.73	6.89	6.78	0.006	0.014
Provided feedback that helped me improve.	6.34	6.55	6.46	ns
Kept the group focused on achieving objectives.	6.47	6.75	6.60	0.001	0.020
Gave the right amount of structure and guidance to the group.	6.38	6.72	6.67	0.003	0.028
Encouraged learners to examine different aspects of a case.	6.44	6.71	6.71	0.005	0.025
Helped to identify problems in cases and encouraged dealing with them as appropriate.	6.52	6.75	6.70	0.011	0.019
Enhanced my understanding of the clinical application of patient safety concepts.	5.76	6.75	6.72	< 0.001	0.160
Overall, the facilitator was an effective small group leader.	6.51	6.78	6.66	0.013	0.016

*Analysis of variance, Welch test