Transformative learning in an interprofessional student-run clinic: a qualitative study

Student-run free clinics are increasingly seen as a way for students in health professions to have early authentic exposures to providing care to marginalized populations, often in the context of interprofessional teams. However, few studies characterize what and how students may learn from volunteering at a student-run free clinic. We aimed to examine shifts in attitude or practice that volunteers report after completing a placement at an interprofessional student-run clinic in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Transcripts from semi-structured reflective focus groups were analyzed in an exploratory thematic manner and from the perspective of transformative learning theory. Volunteers reported attitude shifts toward greater self-awareness of assumptions, recognition of the need for systemic interventions, and seeing themselves as learning and contributing meaningfully in a team even without direct-client contact. Practice shifts emerged of individualizing assessment and treatment of patients as well as increased comfort working in interprofessional teams. Attitude and practice shifts were facilitated by authentic interactions with individuals from marginalized populations, taking a patient-centered approach, and an interprofessional context. Interprofessional student-run free clinics are suited to triggering disorienting dilemmas that set the stage for transformative learning, particularly when volunteers are guided to reflect.