MiLaMed - Results of the trial phase of a new longitudinal curriculum for rural healthcare at two German medical faculties

Tobias Deutsch, Anja Klingenberg, Stephanie Sauer, Sabine Herget, Kay Klinge, Katharina Thaler, Melanie Nafziger, Manon Richter, Markus Bleckwenn, Thomas Frese

Keywords: rural physician shortage, rural curriculum, undergraduate medical education

Background:

The MiLaMed project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health, established a longitudinal curriculum on rural healthcare at two universities (Leipzig and Halle-Wittenberg) in order to attract more future doctors to rural practice. New teaching content was integrated into the compulsory and compulsory elective curriculum in various disciplines. In four rural model regions, a network of internship providers (GP practices, specialist practices, hospitals) was established and practical placements in all specialities were advertised and supported (travel and accommodation costs, local mobility, organisational support, leisure activities). After a one-year concept phase, MiLaMed was tested over a two-year period.

Research questions:

How is the new programme perceived, used and evaluated by students and the doctors involved? How many students can be persuaded to take part in the different practical placement formats? Can the students' motivation for later rural practice be positively influenced?

Method:

MiLaMed was evaluated externally in co-operation with the aQua-Institute (Göttingen). Participation in MiLaMed courses and practical placements in the model regions was documented. An online survey of all medical students at both universities was conducted at the beginning and after four semesters. Courses and placements were also evaluated individually.

Results:

MiLaMed became well known among the students during the test phase and was perceived and evaluated very positively. From April 2020 to March 2022, a total of 437 practical placements were completed in the four model regions despite interim lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most placements took place in GP practices and rural emergency service. As expected, placements positively influenced students’ motivation for later rural practice. Both students and participating doctors would like to see the programme continued. Detailed evaluation results will be presented at the congress.

Conclusions:

The MiLaMed concept appears suitable for motivating many students to undertake rural placements and increasing the attractiveness of rural practice.

Points for discussion:

How transferable is the concept to other universities and countries?

How much can universities contribute to combating the shortage of rural doctors?

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