Interprofessional Experiences at a Student-run Clinic: Who Participates and What Do They Learn?

Abstract

Background: Student-run Clinics (SRCs) are student-driven, interprofessional community service-learning primary care initiatives in which students of different disciplines work collaboratively under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. Despite their increasing prominence and promise as vehicles for interprofessional education, little is known about the characteristics of students or mentors who participate in these initiatives. Methods: A quality improvement review was conducted by members of an interprofessional, student-run clinic based on data collected in the first 3 years of clinic operation. Program records and anonymous feedback forms were examined for information regarding student and mentor characteristics (e.g., discipline, frequency of participation) and information regarding service provider satisfaction and recommendations.  Findings: The STAR Clinic had low student retention with the majority of students attending only one clinic shift. There was also limited student and mentor diversity, with medicine and nursing most highly represented. Qualitative information highlighted areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Conclusions: Recruitment and retention of students and mentors should be a priority for SRCs. Efforts devoted to increasing interprofessional diversity would likely benefit clients and allow for a more holistic approach to person-centred care.