A Systems Approach to Learning,Practice and Reflection in Emergency Primary Health Care: Student Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction

Clinical decision making skills are essential for professional practice in primary emergency healthcare and are an intended outcome of clinical and professional programs. This article documents an interdisciplinary exploration of learning and teaching of clinical decision making and critical dialectical reflection (the systems approach) at The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Australia.

Methods

Using an online survey we explored students’ perspectives on how working with the systems approach impacted upon their confidence and capacity to engage in emergency clinical scenarios.

Results

USC's systems approach, integrated with a focus on critical reflection and case-based learning, is strongly associated with improved student confidence to engage in emergency primary health care scenarios. Most participants reported increased confidence post intervention and believed that the systems approach helped them to improve their capacity for other critical components.

Conclusion

This study indicates the beneficial nature of a systems approach to the learning and teaching of clinical decision-making. The tool could be further developed, to improve perceived ability to communicate more effectively.