title: Peer-assisted learning: a novel approach to clinical skills learning for medical students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine whether peer-assisted learning (PAL) can enhance clinical examination skills training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three student trainers studied small-group theory and clinical examination and provided PAL as extra tuition for 86 trainees. Trainees watched an examination video, were videotaped practising the examination and, after constructive feedback, repeated the examination. Responses to PAL were evaluated to attain an overview of trainee and trainer performance using visual analogue and Likert scale analyses. Year-group review was undertaken using questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trainees evaluated all aspects of PAL highly, including their post-training confidence in examination skills (mean > 7.7 on a 10-cm scale), indicating that the PAL was effective. Written comments confirmed the students perceived the sessions as well structured and of high quality. Compared with trainees in the first groups, those from later groups gave all parameters similar or higher gradings. Those for interest (P = 0.03) and appropriateness (P = 0.01) were significantly higher, suggesting that trainers may improve their technique with time. Students with previous degrees gave similar or lower gradings than standard entry students, with answers about post-training confidence and recommendation to friends being statistically lower (P < 0.006). Six months later, year-group analysis showed that 90% of trainees rated PAL highly, and 86% wished to become trainers. Of the trainers' year group, 79% perceived that PAL training could improve examination skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the context of clinical skills training, PAL was highly evaluated across many parameters, including confidence after training. Student interest and enthusiasm supports suggestions that PAL could be a useful adjunct to clinical skills training.
authors: Medical Education Department, University of Glasgow Medical School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. m.field@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
authors: Max
authors: M
authors: Field
authors: Joanne M
authors: JM
authors: Burke
authors: David
authors: D
authors: McAllister
authors: David M
authors: DM
authors: Lloyd
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012606:Scotland; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*