The Role of Medical Student Quality Improvement Projects in Health Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction

Across Australia, there is considerable variation in the quality of health care and the risk of associated complications. Hence, many patients are receiving poor-quality care. This may be exacerbated in rural and remote areas where the availability of health care is relatively limited. Addressing this requires a multipronged approach that supports the workforce. Involving medical practitioners in medical students' quality improvement (QI) scholarly projects may be one strategy to assist with bridging this gap. The aim of this review was to synthesise the evidence relating to medical students' compulsory curriculum-based quality improvement projects and associated practice outcomes.

Method

Scoping review of peer-reviewed literature (January 2000–June 2024).

Results

Of the 239 articles, six empirical studies from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA were included. Half of these were based in community settings and the rest in hospitals. Only one was in a rural setting. The time allocated to projects was between 5 and 12 weeks. Five of the six studies reported that student project recommendations had been implemented. One study reported that the process enhanced doctors' adherence to best practice guidelines.

Discussion

Much of the research about the outcomes of medical student curriculum-based projects focuses on research outputs. These relatively short student QI projects are one strategy to improve evidence-based practice while upskilling clinicians. Further work is needed to examine their impact, particularly in rural areas.

Conclusion

Integrating medical students into ‘real-world’ QI health service projects can enhance the quality of health care whilst building the skills of the medical workforce.