Teaching and learning about chronic conditions management for undergraduate medical students: utilizing the patient-as-teacher approach

Abstract

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact on medical student learning of a revised chronic conditions teaching programme based on the chronic care model utilizing patients-as-teachers. Methods: A qualitative questionnaire was completed by students at the start of a primary healthcare rotation to determine existing impressions/understandings about chronic conditions. Following the revised teaching programme, a reflective essay about a home-visit to a person with chronic conditions was completed by students at the end of the rotation. Results: Analysis of the questionnaire at the start of the rotation showed students have some knowledge of the differences between acute and chronic care, have rather negative impressions of what it means to have chronic conditions and know little of overall patient management including the work of an interdisciplinary team. Analysis of the reflective essays completed by students at the end of the rotation showed an increased understanding of chronic conditions, what it means to have a chronic condition and who supports management. Discussion: A structured chronic conditions teaching programme including patient-as-teacher is an effective way of building knowledge and changing students’ impressions of what it means to have a chronic condition.