Evaluating Study Techniques for Australian Medical Students During Clinical Placement: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning
• Self-Directed Learning

Background:

• Clinical medical education shifts focus to self-directed learning (SDL).
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital resource adoption in medical studies.
• Limited research exists on effective SDL techniques for Australian clinical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate evidence on the perceived utility of common SDL study techniques for Australian clinical-year medical students.
• To identify trends in study techniques used during clinical placements.
• To assess the impact of the post-pandemic environment on SDL resource utilization.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative scoping review of literature from PubMed and Medline Ovid was conducted in 2024.
• Inclusion criteria focused on published articles within 20 years, concerning clinical-year medical students.
• Nine relevant studies were qualitatively appraised and synthesized.

Main Results:

• A consistent trend towards third-party online tools (question banks, mobile apps, revision courses) for SDL was observed.
• Only two studies were conducted post-COVID-19, limiting insights into the contemporary context.
• Evidence strength on perceived efficacy in the post-pandemic era is limited by study numbers and appraisal rigor.

Conclusions:

• Third-party online tools are emerging as preferred SDL resources for clinical medical students.
• There is a critical need for contemporary, Australian-specific research on effective SDL techniques.
• Developing evidence-based guidelines is essential to support students' transition to SDL during clinical placements.