The community as an educational field for medical students : medical sociology revisited

الملخص AR

Background : The focus of health care has shifted from episodic care of individuals in hospitals to promotion of health in the community and medical training is becoming more student-centered.

Increased use of community settings is essential to enhance medical education.

Methods : The current study aimed to assess the role of the Family Studies Programme in meeting the learning needs of medical students in relation to health issues prevalent in the community.

Students’ reports for the academic year 2003-2004 were reviewed by the authors.

Recorded data was grouped into four main categories : medical problems, major life events, family response to their medical and social issues in addition to life styles behavior.

Data analysis was conducted manually.

Findings : Medical students involved in the program reflected a high level of satisfaction, participating community agencies were enthusiastic and patients in home care programs reported constructive experience.

Students were able to identify a variety of health and social issues and the interaction between both.

Their role as health advocates was also highlighted.

Conclusion : This study revealed the usefulness of community placement of medical students.

This approach enhanced students’ learning opportunities and increased their awareness of the link between medical and social issues and the individual and family health.