Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) use in medical students: a literature review
2025

Using Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) in Medical Students

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Morgan Jacqueline

Primary Institution: University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

How are medical students utilizing FOAMed resources in their education?

Conclusion

Students are increasingly using FOAMed resources as a key part of their medical education, but there is limited literature on how these resources are integrated into formal curricula.

Supporting Evidence

  • 87% of the population in Great Britain was using the internet daily in 2019.
  • FOAMed resources are increasingly popular among medical students.
  • Students report using social media for educational purposes, but integration into curricula is lacking.

Takeaway

Medical students are using online resources to help them learn, but schools aren't always using these resources in their teaching.

Methodology

A literature search was conducted on FOAMed use by medical students, and the results were analyzed qualitatively.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the quality of FOAMed resources due to lack of regulation and conflicts of interest.

Limitations

Most literature on FOAMed is descriptive, lacking robust evidence on its impact on student learning and patient care.

Participant Demographics

The review focuses on medical students, particularly from Gen Z and millennial generations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12909-024-06392-0

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication