Learners' Perspectives of Professionalism: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professionalism Studies

Background:

• Professionalism in medical education is crucial for competence, encompassing communication, knowledge, skills, reasoning, values, and reflection.
• Recent evidence highlights the importance of observing mentor application of skills for patient safety.
• Integrating student perspectives into the curriculum is essential for a comprehensive understanding of professionalism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize qualitative and quantitative research on student experiences with professionalism in undergraduate medical education (UME).
• To develop recommendations for medical school curricula that incorporate learner perspectives in teaching professionalism.
• To create a checklist for guiding curriculum development on professionalism in UME.

Main Methods:

• An integrated synthesis approach will be used, including "qualitizing" quantitative data.
• Searches of PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and ERIC (2010-2021) will be conducted for English-language studies.
• Studies involving undergraduate medical students will be screened and appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Main Results:

• The study is currently in the screening and critical appraisal phase.
• Data cleaning and coding are scheduled to begin in July 2022.
• Analysis and publication submission are planned for late 2022.

Conclusions:

• This research will add valuable insights into student perspectives on professionalism in medical education.
• Findings will support the creation of a practical checklist for UME curriculum development.
• The study aims to enhance the teaching and understanding of professionalism by incorporating student viewpoints.