Learning in a clinical education programme in primary care: the Maastricht Adoption Programme

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Preclinical Training
• General Practice Integration

Background:

• Maastricht University's Adoption Programme integrates knowledge, skills, and attitudes in preclinical medical education.
• Students complete assignments in general practice settings, with discussions in medical coaching groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors influencing learning within the Adoption Programme.
• To test a causal model of student learning based on evaluation data.

Main Methods:

• Used evaluation questionnaires from 188 medical students.
• Analyzed relationships between perceived instructiveness, assignment execution, and influences of general practitioners (GPs) and coaching groups.
• Differentiated between 'action' and 'reflection on action'.

Main Results:

• Assignment performance had minimal impact on perceived learning value.
• GP coaching primarily affected assignment feasibility, not perceived instructiveness.
• Coaching groups had little effect on perceived instructiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Adoption Programme's effectiveness is limited by low priority in coaching groups and inadequate GP training.
• Improved planning of patient-related assignments and incorporating reflection and feedback are recommended.
• Enhancing practical experience requires structured reflection and procedural feedback.