Usefulness of patient studies in learning family medicine at postgraduate level
Background: The Master's in Family Medicine (M Fam Med) is a postgraduate training programme in family medicine at Medunsa. M Fam Med students have to write patient studies as part of requirements to complete their degree. This research was undertaken to develop a deeper understanding of their...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2004-06-01
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| Series: | South African Family Practice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/72 |
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| Summary: | Background: The Master's in Family Medicine (M Fam Med) is a postgraduate training programme in family medicine at Medunsa. M Fam Med students have to write patient studies as part of requirements to complete their degree. This research was undertaken to develop a deeper understanding of their perceptions about patient studies.
Methods: A descriptive qualitative method was used. A purposeful sample of eight students was selected, with a maximum variation in dimensions of interest. Data were gathered by free attitude interviews, recorded on audiotape. These were transcribed verbatim; themes were identified from the text and were coded into categories. A model was developed to demonstrate the process, and the interrelatedness of and relationships between the themes.
Results: The students generally perceive patient studies as a good learning tool. However, they face certain problems while doing patient studies. These problems arise from difficult student-facilitator relations and from the logistics of doing patient studies, such as a lack of orientation and difficulty in obtaining literature.
Conclusion: Patient studies are appropriate assignments for the M Fam Med programme at Medunsa. The problems, such as strained facilitator-student relationship and logistic problems, encountered during the writing of patient studies, should be addressed. |
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| ISSN: | 2078-6190 2078-6204 |