Research article summary:

The limits of tutors comfort zones with four integrated knowledge themes in a problem-based undergraduate medical curriculum (Interview study).

Abstract Extract:
PURPOSE: To explore how a cohort of problem-based learning (PBL) tutors (with diverse medical and other content expertise) conceptualised their students integrated learning agenda, particularly for content less familiar to the vast majority, such as ... (Full abstract text below)

Published 2003May in Journal: Med Educ (Language : eng)

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1. Med Educ. 2003 May;37(5):417-23

The limits of tutors' comfort zones with four integrated knowledge themes in a problem-based undergraduate medical curriculum (Interview study).

Maudsley G

Department of Public Health, The University of Liverpool, UK.

PURPOSE: To explore how a cohort of problem-based learning (PBL) tutors (with diverse medical and other content expertise) conceptualised their students' integrated learning agenda, particularly for content less familiar to the vast majority, such as public health elements. SETTING: Problem-based undergraduate medical curriculum, The University of Liverpool, in its first-ever year. PARTICIPANTS: Foundation PBL tutors for Year 1 students, Semester 1. METHOD: A cross-sectional, semistructured telephone interview study was undertaken during spring 1997, with open-ended questions about Semester 1 experience of the four main themes. Qualitative data were analysed inductively and iteratively for emerging patterns and instances. RESULTS: All 34 tutors responded. Of these, 26/34 (76%) were male and 23 (68%) were medically qualified. Towards the end of each approximately (median) 20-minute interview, reflecting on the curriculum themes, tutors mostly identified with the basic/clinical science theme (Structure and Function). Almost half articulated a clear division (implicitly or explicitly 'fact' versus 'non-fact') between it and the 'other three' themes of behavioural science, population science, and ethicolegal aspects of professional practice, respectively. Only 14/34 (41%) of tutors (including both public health doctors) outlined the public health-based theme adequately without disclosing confusion, antagonism/indifference or difficulties/uncertainty. CONCLUSION: This study provides baseline qualitative insights about new PBL tutors' insecurities when facilitating student discussion across integrated content. Given the difficulties of recruiting suitable educators into this role and potential resource limitations, staff retention and development strategies still must confront the reality of PBL tutors' bemusement when they are placed outwith their usual comfort zones.

PMID : 12709182 [PubMed - Indexed for MEDLINE]

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Full Author Information

First Name	LastName	Initials
Gillian	Maudsley	G

Affiliation: Department of Public Health, The University of Liverpool, UK.

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Adult
Cohort Studies
Cross-Sectional Studies
Curriculum
Education, Medical, Undergraduate - organization & administration, standards
England
Faculty, Medical - standards
Female
Humans
Male
Problem-Based Learning - methods

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