Attainment of medical student learning outcomes following general practice speciality trainee supervision: a pilot study.

Abstract

Background: Innovative training approaches are needed to address the lack of capacity in primary care for undergraduate medical student clinical placements. Near-Peer Teaching (NPT) by General Practice Speciality Trainees (GPSTs) is one possible solution.

Aim: Compare the attainment of intended learning outcomes (ILOs) for students taught by GPSTs and qualified General Practitioners (GPs).

Design & setting: Quantitative pilot study of medical students undertaking clinical training in GP at Nottingham University.

Method: Year 3 GPSTs were trained to supervise first-year graduate entry medical students undertaking 6 half-day GP visits (2022-2023). Using Likert-scale post-training questionnaires, self-reported attainment of ILOs was compared for supervision provided to students by GPSTs and GPs. Secondary outcomes included student, GPST and GP views about NPT.

Results: Of 112 medical students, 7 were supervised by GPSTs and 105 by GPs. 101 students responded [7 (100%) from GPST supervision; 94 (90%) from GP supervision]. There was no significant difference between groups in attainment of 7 ILOs with significantly greater attainment for students supervised by GPSTs for receiving feedback [P=0.018] and self-reflection [P=0.015]. GPSTs reported improved organisation, communication, feedback skills, and desire for future student supervision. Medical students and GPs reported enthusiasm for future NPT by GPSTs.

Conclusion: Attainment of ILOs during undergraduate GP placements was at least equivalent when students were supervised by GPSTs compared with GPs. GPSTs are an important group for building supervisory capacity for undergraduate education and this study adds confidence in enabling GPST supervision of undergraduates.