Patient-centred learning in practice. A mixed methods study of supervision and learning in student clinics

Patient-centred learning (PCL) allows medical students to practice a patient-centred approach; however, didactic characteristics of PCL have yet to be fully elucidated. Clinical placements structured as a student clinic (SC) enable authentic student-patient learning relations through enhanced student responsibility and can serve as examples of PCL. We explored the didactic characteristics of supervision and learning in SCs to provide recommendations for PCL-oriented medical education.

Triangulation mixed methods study based on qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews with clinical teachers and quantitative data collected from student evaluations of supervision and learning in the SCs.

Supervision and learning in SCs were characterized by 1) a focus on student-patient compatibility and patient needs and resources, which indicated PCL, 2) person-centred explorative supervision to adjust challenges to students' needs and resources, and 3) support of student autonomy to take responsibility for patient treatment.

PCL was facilitated by clinical teachers through a dual person-centred didactic approach combined with autonomy-supportive didactic practice. This enabled the integration of patients' and students' needs and resources in clinical teaching.

Clinical teachers can stimulate student-patient learning relations by selecting patients, exploring students' needs and resources, and supporting student autonomy through reflective practice and backup.