Faculty Collaboration Database

Foundations of Community Engagement: A Series for Effective Community-Engaged Research. MedEdPORTAL 2023;19:11350

Date

10/12/2023

Pubmed ID

37822302

Pubmed Central ID

PMC10562524

DOI

10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11350

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85173829768 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Medical students lack systematic exposure to community engagement. Community-engaged research (CEnR) is an effective approach to improve community health, and community-engaged physicians are better attuned to the community context of their patients' health and well-being. The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Office of Community Engagement began offering the educational series Foundations of Community Engagement in 2021 to meet this need.

METHODS: We developed and implemented a four-session series for medical students at MCW and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A 1-hour session on the foundations of CEnR was held for all learners. Three 1-hour sessions dove deeper into CEnR principles for a self-selected cohort. These small-group sessions involved discussion between faculty and community partners and facilitated small-group discussion. Students completed evaluations after each session.

RESULTS: A total of 160 students participated in the introductory session; 36 took part in the follow-up series. Survey response rates varied from 38% to 67% for each session. Overall, 87% of students in all sessions felt their session was worthwhile, with 85% of large-group and 96% of small-group respondents reporting they learned something they would use in their practice or profession. Qualitative responses included appreciation for addressing a curricular gap and desire for more time and more sessions to continue discussions.

DISCUSSION: The program was effective at stimulating medical student self-reported gains in skills, attitudes, and future intentions regarding CEnR in an efficient manner. Effective programs that transfer positive CEnR skills and attitudes to future physicians can promote CEnR within academic medicine.

Author List

Johnston B, Ruffalo L, Nelson D, O'Connor S, Young S

Authors

Bryan Johnston MD Assistant Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
David A. Nelson PhD Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Staci A. Young PhD Sr Associate Dean, Associate Director, Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Community Participation
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Faculty
Humans
Learning
Physicians
Public Health
Students, Medical
Wisconsin