The Involvement of Adolescents With Chronic Health Conditions in Medical Education: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we explored the involvement of adolescents with chronic health conditions in medical education. We focused specifically on adolescents’ desired level of involvement in the education of medical students and residents, strategies for involving them in it, and topics on which they would feel comfortable educating these learners. METHODS: We used a community-based participatory research approach and qualitative one-on-one semistructured interviews. Adolescents (ages 13–18) with chronic health conditions lasting >3 months who were admitted on inpatient wards and were well enough to participate in an interview were eligible. Two investigators analyzed the interview transcripts to identify common categories across the interview data. RESULTS: A total of 17 adolescents participated. Data analysis revealed that adolescents want to be regularly involved in medical education, compensated in some way for their time and effort, and receive support and oversight in their activities. Adolescents discussed the following 5 strategies for involving them in the education of medical students and residents: face-to-face presentations, shadowing and mentoring, videos, handouts and books, and assessment feedback. Adolescents want to educate learners on their experiences and coping strategies as well as on how to interact and develop rapport with adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The adolescents with chronic health conditions who participated in this study want to be actively involved in medical education and can provide innovative insights and strategies for doing so. However, future researchers need to explore the benefits and limitations of such involvement.