Using Small Case-Based Learning Groups as a Setting for Teaching Medical Students How to Provide and Receive Peer...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Communication Skills Training
• Physician Development

Background:

• Future physicians require face-to-face feedback skills for professional practice.
• High-quality, multi-perspective feedback is crucial during pre-clerkship medical training.
• Existing training may not adequately prepare students for essential feedback delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a straightforward peer feedback exercise for medical students.
• To integrate feedback practice into the first-year medical curriculum.
• To enhance feedback skills through preparation sessions focused on quality principles.

Main Methods:

• Designed an easily implementable peer feedback exercise.
• Tailored the exercise for integration into existing case-based learning small groups.
• Incorporated preparation sessions emphasizing core principles of quality feedback.

Main Results:

• The exercise provides a practical platform for students to practice giving and receiving feedback.
• The activity was successfully integrated into the first-year curriculum.
• Students reported high value and appreciation for the feedback exercise.

Conclusions:

• This peer feedback exercise is an effective and well-received method for developing essential communication skills in medical students.
• Integrating feedback training early in medical education is feasible and beneficial.
• The exercise prepares future physicians for critical interpersonal interactions in their careers.