The Role of Non-Physician Health Care Professionals in the Education of Medical Students at Satellite Campuses

Abstract

Phenomenon: Satellite campuses of medical schools in Canada introduce smaller communities to new medical learners. Non-physician health care professionals (NPHCPs) in regional hospitals may have had little prior exposure to learners. Lack of clarity regarding the role of the medical student is a barrier that hinders interprofessional collaboration. The purpose of this project was to examine the educational relationship between students and NPHCPs in regional hospitals.
 Approach: Surveys were distributed to NPHCPs of various disciplines at two community hospitals in Waterloo Region. A second survey was distributed to medical students attending a satellite medical campus of McMaster University. 
 Findings: Surveys completed by 141 NPHCPs identified the following themes: frequent student interaction, no orientation to students, uncertainty of roles, willingness to teach, and barriers to teaching. Student surveys demonstrated frequent interactions, lack of familiarity of their role by NPHCPs at regional hospitals, desire to learn from NPHCPs, and specific teachable procedures. 
 Insights: NPHCPs and medical students agree that interprofessional medical education can improve patient care, communication and the quality of education. While there is interest in involving NPHCPs in teaching, orienting NPHCPs to the roles of students in regional hospitals may improve relationships and allow informal teaching opportunities.
 
 Funding: This work was supported by the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University.