Case Studies for Recognizing Appropriate and Inappropriate Behaviors in the Clinical Learning Environment

The Association of American Medical Colleges surveys graduating medical students regarding the persistent prevalence of learning environment concerns. This training module is designed to increase awareness of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors in the clinical learning environment among medical professionals and trainees.

An introductory PowerPoint presents the types of inappropriate behaviors that may be observed in the clinical learning environment along with institution-specific mechanisms for reporting such behaviors. We have also created six vignettes depicting various scenarios that trainees may encounter. The vignettes are presented in both text and video format and may be used in any combination. The entire module consisting of the PowerPoint presentation and the case studies can be delivered in 90 minutes to a large group of learners. Learners are divided into smaller groups of six to eight for discussions. The presentation and discussion can be done by a single or multiple facilitators. The target audience is primarily medical professionals and trainees at various levels of clinical exposure.

Since implementation of this training module at our institution, awareness of what constitutes mistreatment and how to report it has increased to nearly 100%. Representative institutional responses are provided for each vignette.

This training module can be presented to medical students, residents, and faculty at different stages of their professional development. We have enhanced learner awareness of what constitutes mistreatment and how to report these events. We offer these educational materials for other institutions to adapt and use in their specific institutional contexts.