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Learning from patients: students' perceptions of patient-instructors
Ann-Helen Henriksen1, Charlotte Ringsted
1Centre for Clinical Education, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Capital Region of Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen ø, Denmark. ann-helen.henriksen@rh.regionh.dk
Medical Education
|August 19, 2011
Summary
Patient instructors (PIs) enhance health professions education by providing realism and authentic feedback, fostering a unique learning environment. This patient-centered approach supports student learning and professional identity development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Patient-Centered Learning
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Limited understanding of the added value of patient teaching in health professions education.
- Focus on student benefits and effectiveness, with less known about patient-centered learning integration.
- Need to explore how patient instructors (PIs) contribute to educational outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the added value of using PIs in health professions education.
- To examine the constitution of patient-centered learning within PI-led sessions.
- To understand the unique dynamics of the PI-student relationship.
Main Methods:
- Group interviews with physiotherapy and occupational therapy students.
- Class delivered by certified patient instructors (PIs) with rheumatism.
- Content analysis of transcribed interviews until data saturation (seven interviews).
Main Results:
- PI sessions create a realistic learning environment with authentic, intimate instruction and feedback.
- Balanced power relations in PI-student interactions support learning and error tolerance.
- PIs offer individual perspectives on conditions like rheumatism, complementing curriculum content.
Conclusions:
- PI-student relationships differ from faculty-student or clinical encounters, particularly in power dynamics.
- Patient-centeredness is fostered in PI-student relationships, potentially due to lack of faculty involvement.
- Further research is needed on student learning from patients in various educational contexts.
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