How medical students learn in primary care.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Student Learning Experiences

Background:

• General practice placements are vital for medical education.
• Understanding positive student experiences in these settings is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and identify key factors contributing to positive medical student experiences during general practice placements.
• To provide evidence-based strategies for enhancing student motivation and learning in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews with medical students.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify key themes.
• Integration of findings within Self-Determination Theory (SDT).

Main Results:

• Students valued placements where they felt integrated into the healthcare team, practiced procedural skills, and experienced autonomy with supervision.
• Lack of feeling valued or learning opportunities misaligned with personal objectives demotivated students.
• Developing independence and decision-making skills were highlighted as positive experiences.

Conclusions:

• General practice placements can be optimized by fostering team integration, skill practice, and appropriate levels of independence.
• Applying Self-Determination Theory principles can enhance medical student motivation and learning in primary care.
• Strategies supporting student autonomy and perceived competence are recommended for improving educational outcomes.