Student access and use of IT during general practice attachments

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Information Technology in Healthcare
• Community-Based Learning

Background:

• Universities are increasingly using the community as a learning resource for medical undergraduates.
• Problem-based learning (PBL) in Manchester aims to equip students with information-finding skills.
• Access to Information Technology (IT) resources is common in medical schools and hospitals but less so in general practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use and effectiveness of IT facilities for medical students during community placements.
• To understand factors influencing student utilization of IT resources in general practice settings.
• To identify strategies for enhancing the learning environment through IT integration in community-based medical education.

Main Methods:

• Initial evaluation of IT facility usage by medical students during community placements.
• Analysis of factors affecting student prioritization of time and resource utilization in community settings.
• Assessment of the impact of providing computers and IT equipment in general practices.

Main Results:

• IT facilities are more beneficial for students with longer placements.
• Students prioritize their time in the community, and simply providing IT equipment does not guarantee its use.
• A perceived need for IT resources is essential for promoting student utilization.

Conclusions:

• Furnishing general practices with IT equipment alone is insufficient to promote student use.
• Training and support within general practices are necessary to enhance the learning environment for undergraduates.
• Effective integration of IT in community-based medical education requires addressing student needs and providing adequate support.