Clinical Rotation at the Primary Level of Care for First-Year Medical and Dental Medicine Students

Marija Petek Šter, Ksenija Rener Sitar

Keywords: Clinical rotation, first-year medical and dental medicine students, primary care, the role of mentors

Background:

The introduction of clinical rotation in the initial years of study means strengthening early contact with the patient and is an opportunity for clinical mentors to be actively involved in the learning process. For first-year students, 60 hours of clinical rotation took place at the primary level with family medicine doctors, paediatricians, gynaecologists, and dentists.

Research questions:

The purpose of the paper is to present an analysis of the responses of first-year students of medicine and dental medicine to the implementation of clinical rotation in the academic year 2021/22.

Method:

We conducted an anonymous survey among first-year medical and dental medicine students at the end of clinical rotation in the academic year 2021/22. The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions (Likert scale from 1 to 5) and open-ended questions. In addition, a descriptive analysis of the collected data was performed.

Results:

Entire population (304 students) completed the survey. 258 (84.9 %) students assessed working in a clinical setting with grade 5. Mentors were recognized as extremely positive; 288 (94.7%) students would recommend their mentor to their colleagues. Students wanted more active involvement in the work process in acquiring communication and clinical skills.

Conclusions:

Students assessed clinical rotation in the first year as an extremely positive experience. The highest score gave to clinical mentors. In the future, together with the mentors, we will work to ensure that first-year students move from the role of observers to the role of active members of the team.

Points for discussion:

Experience with clinical teaching of first-year medical and dental medicine students

Who can be a clinical mentor for medical students in their pre-clinical years of study?