Foundations of Community Engagement: A Series for Effective Community-Engaged Research

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Community Health
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Medical students often lack systematic exposure to community engagement, hindering their understanding of patient health contexts.
• Community-engaged research (CEnR) is vital for improving community health and fostering physicians' connection to their patients' well-being.
• The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) developed an educational series to address this curricular gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel educational series on community-engaged research (CEnR) for medical students.
• To assess the impact of CEnR training on students' skills, attitudes, and future professional intentions.
• To determine the feasibility and student reception of a CEnR educational program within medical curricula.

Main Methods:

• A four-session educational series on CEnR was implemented for medical students at two institutions.
• The series included an introductory large-group session and three small-group sessions with faculty and community partners.
• Student learning and satisfaction were assessed through session evaluations.

Main Results:

• 160 students attended the introductory session, with 36 participating in the advanced series.
• High student engagement was reported, with 87% finding sessions worthwhile and significant percentages learning applicable skills.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted appreciation for addressing a curricular gap and a desire for expanded CEnR training.

Conclusions:

• The CEnR educational program effectively enhanced medical students' self-reported skills, attitudes, and future intentions regarding community-engaged research.
• This initiative demonstrates a successful method for integrating CEnR principles into medical education.
• Promoting CEnR through academic medicine can cultivate physicians better equipped to address community health needs.