The workplace as a learning environment: Perceptions and experiences of undergraduate medical students at a contemporary medical training university in Uganda
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Health Professions Education
Abstract
One of the most effective ways of translating medical theory into clinical practice is through workplace learning, because practice is learnt
by practising. Undergraduate medical students at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, have workplace rotations at Mulago
National Referral and Teaching Hospital (MNRTH), Kampala, for the purpose of learning clinical medicine.
Objectives. To explore undergraduate medical students’ perceptions and experiences regarding the suitability of MNRTH as a learning environment to
produce competent health professionals who are ready to meet the demands of contemporary medical practice, research and training.
Methods. This was a cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach. Students’ perceptions and experiences were assessed using the Dundee Ready
Educational Environment Measure (DREEM), as well as focus group discussions (FGDs). Data from DREEM were analysed as frequencies and means of
scores of perceptions of the learning environment. FGD data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results. The majority of students perceived the learning environment as having more positives than negatives. Among the positive aspects were
unrestricted access to large numbers of patients and a wide case mix. Negative aspects included overcrowding due to too many students, and inadequate
workplace affordances.
Conclusions. The large numbers of patients, unrestricted access to patients and the wide case mix created authentic learning opportunities for students – they
were exposed to a range of conditions that they are likely to encounter often once they qualify. The areas of concern identified in the study need to be
addressed to optimise learning at the workplace for undergraduate medical students.
Description
Keywords
Learning environment, Undergraduate medical students, Contemporary medical training university
Citation
Kagawa, M. N., Kiguli, S., Steinberg, W. J., & Jama, M. P. (2021). The workplace as a learning environment: Perceptions and experiences of undergraduate medical students at a contemporary medical training university in Uganda. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 13(2), 110-117. https://doi.org/10.7196/AJHPE.2021.v13i2.1191