Call to Action: A Faculty Survey to Inform Future Efforts at Student-Run Clinics.

Abstract

Existing literature about student-run clinics (SRCs) often focuses on student rather than patient experiences. To begin to gather data on norms and practices at SRCs nationally, this pilot study surveyed faculty leaders from SRCs around the country about metrics such as clinic organization, patient demographics, and care services. A 38-question survey was distributed via email to members of the Student Run Free Clinic Faculty Association (SRFCFA) in October 2021. All responses were collected electronically via Qualtrics survey software. Most SRCs are held at least once weekly in variable physical locations. All SRCs surveyed use an electronic medical record. Student leadership typically rotates annually. Preceptors skew towards generalists rather than specialists. Clinics have variable patient volumes but see majority uninsured and non-English-speaking patient populations. Responses about consistency of result communication, follow-up visits, referrals to specialty care, and management of high-risk patients were mixed. The majority of respondents did not feel that learner experience was prioritized over patient care. The design and operations of SRCs nationwide is variable and not standardized. There remains a limited understanding of patient experiences and patient-centered outcomes at SRCs, and thus it is difficult to guide best practices. Future efforts to collect patient perspectives and outcomes should be emphasized given the vulnerable populations these clinics serve.