Teaching Medical Students About Children with Disabilities
Author Information
Author(s): Peter Jones, Mal Donald
Primary Institution: University Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle
Hypothesis
To describe and implement a community paediatric placement in a school setting that teaches undergraduate medical students about intellectual disability.
Conclusion
Medical students can be effectively taught and have a valuable clinical experience in a school setting to learn about children with a disability.
Supporting Evidence
- All students and teachers found the placement acceptable and enjoyable.
- 80% of teachers felt the program did not add to their workload.
- Students gained a greater understanding of children with disabilities.
Takeaway
Medical students helped children with disabilities in a school, and both the students and teachers found it beneficial and enjoyable.
Methodology
Twenty-six 4th year undergraduate medical students completed an 8-week placement at Bullimbal School, assisting with activities for disabled children.
Limitations
The study only looked at a small sample of students at one school and did not measure improvements in the children.
Participant Demographics
4th year undergraduate medical students from the University of Newcastle.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website