PROFILES with the CanMEDS model as a guiding framework for conveying basics in clinical medicine and physician roles to health sciences students: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: PROFILES (Principal Relevant Objectives and Framework for Integrative Learning and Education in Switzerland), a competency-based framework for medical students in Switzerland, was used to structure a course aiming at conveying the roles of physicians and basics in clinical medicine to health sciences students. The goal of this study was to explore how this approach was experienced and perceived by students, lecturers and experts. Methods: For this explorative qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with seven students, four lecturers and two experts in medical education were held, and themes were identified by conducting a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. Results: We identified four themes: (1) PROFILES as a guiding framework, (2) strengths and weaknesses of the course, (3) general teaching aspects and (4) potential benefits for future interprofessional collaboration. Some students initially struggled to comprehend the novel approach, but overall, the structure of the course was positively perceived by most interviewees, especially lecturers and experts. Conclusions: PROFILES, particularly the integrated CanMEDS model, may be suitable to convey the roles and tasks of physicians and basic medical knowledge to health sciences students. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects on potential interprofessional collaboration.