Logging experiential learning opportunities in rural general practice
Dr Catherine Haigh, Monash University, Australia
A/Prof Daryl Pedler, Monash University, Australia*
Studies indicate that training in rural general practice can benefit medical undergraduates because these sites offer a broad scope of experiential learning opportunities. This paper details the development of an electronic logbook designed to capture the undergraduate experience within general practices across a range of rural sites.
Logbooks have been widely used in medical education but there are issues with their implementation. Students are typically reluctant to complete logbooks and so the data collected do not necessarily represent the range of clinical cases seen. The information contained within paper-based and personal digital assistant (PDA) logbooks needs to be collated, a huge administrative task, and because of underreporting may not be useful for the purposes of program evaluation or accreditation.
This proposed tool is intended to support the holistic recording of salient (but non-identifying) components of each student / patient encounter in real time. The logbook is designed to be user-friendly and employs a workflow model. Reasons for the patient encounter are recorded using the BEACH classifications, allowing a comparison between the experiences of students in general practice and the workload of doctors employed within this context.
The logbook affords the student an instant and ongoing record of experience within general practice. As such, it provides an unobtrusive and non-labour intensive tool for continuous assessment. It also indicates what components of speciality disciplines might be adequately covered within this clinical setting as opposed to the hospital. The logbook also offers the student a tool for reflection on performance. Learning needs may be identified and areas of strength indicated. Thus a cumulative portfolio is created that attests to the student’s knowledge, skills and range of experience.
The proposed logbook will enable reports to be generated for the student and the medical educator to ensure optimal learning opportunities within rural general practice.
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