A tutor programme in obstetrics and gynaecology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship

Background:

• Third-year obstetrics and gynecology clerkships often face student complaints regarding insufficient teaching staff contact.
• Existing curricula may not adequately address crucial non-clinical topics important for medical students' professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a newly implemented Tutor Programme designed to enhance student-teacher interaction in a third-year obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.
• To assess the programme's content, educational contribution, and the nature of student-teacher relationships.
• To explore the utility of mixed methodologies, including observational approaches, for comprehensive programme evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach integrating observational data with student and teacher questionnaires and interviews.
• Assessment of programme content, educational impact, and student-teacher interaction dynamics.
• Utilized observational methodologies for a comprehensive program evaluation.

Main Results:

• Both teachers and students reported high satisfaction with the increased opportunities for interaction and mutual understanding.
• The programme uniquely incorporated discussions on 'Medicine as a Career and Lifestyle,' addressing topics like career decisions and residency selection.
• Observational methods proved valuable in providing a holistic assessment of the programme's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Tutor Programme successfully addressed student concerns about insufficient faculty interaction in obstetrics and gynecology clerkships.
• The inclusion of career and lifestyle topics significantly contributed to student education and professional development.
• Mixed-methods evaluation, particularly incorporating observational techniques, is effective for assessing medical education programs.