Innovative interventions in an internal medicine clerkship: conquering challenges in the clinical learning environment

Abstract

This thesis describes innovative interventions that aim to improve clinical workplace learning in a clerkship internal medicine. Clinical workplace learning is challenging in many aspects. It takes place through participation in actual patient care and is dependent on collaboration with other healthcare professionals. The workplace may consist of physical, online and virtual learning environments, The interventions in this thesis targeted these three elements by the development and analysis of 1). interprofessional learning activities in a Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU), 2) a Small Private Online Course (SPOC) using theoretical and practical educational principles to stimulate motivation and collaborative learning, and 3). remote learning in a virtual environment using head-mounted cameras at bedside. The findings imply that implementation of a CTU not only facilitates the integration of patient care and education but also the integration of different professions working together. The SPOC is a useful and accessible addition to the clinical learning environment, however online collaboration remains challenging. Virtual learning with cameras on site could offer sustainable opportunities for interprofessional, crossinstitutional or even international learning with real patient encounters.