The development and evaluation of an integrated community-based, patient-centred learning activity at the University of Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate the Patient Care Project (PCP), an integrated patient-centred, community-based learning activity, implemented at the University of Hong Kong since 1992.


METHODS
The PCP, a required course in the first 2 preclinical years, is structured into four learning cycles over 9 months. Each cycle consists of a patient interview followed by a debriefing group tutorial. In-depth interviews with the same patient allow students to explore the impact of disease and patients' illness experience, as well as the contribution of the wider determinants of health to their condition. The debriefing tutorial frames empirical observations into theoretical models and its format reinforces habits of problem-based learning. The programme was evaluated using survey questionnaires completed by students, patients and tutors.


METHODS
324 first- and second-year medical students.


RESULTS
Students, participating patients and tutors all rated the PCP positively in end-of-course evaluations. Specifically, 68% of students commented that the PCP had met all or most of its stated objectives, while there was nearly unanimous agreement among patients that students demonstrated understanding and empathy in the visits and interviews. Tutor appraisal of student performance also indicated the attainment of all stated aims and objectives overall.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCP is a valuable contribution to community-based learning and the promotion of the patient-centred clinical method.
Leung
Gabriel M
GM
Department of Community Medicine and Unit for Behavioural Sciences, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Hong Kong, China.
Fielding
Richard
R
Chan
Moon-Fai
MF
Lee
Angel
A
Cheng
Yeung-Hung
YH
Yu
Clara
C
Lam
Tai-Hing
TH
D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*