Article # 6
Near Peer Learning between Medical and Physiotherapy Students : A Pilot Study of Anatomy Knowledge , Attitudes , Communication and Teamwork
Abstract
Article # 6
Authors :
Christopher Mifsud , Arion Pepas , Lara Borg , Juliet Camilleri , Luke Gatt , Isabel Stabile
Keywords :
Near peer teaching and learning , anatomy education , physiotherapy students , medical students .
Institution :
Christopher Mifsud : Croydon University Hospital , UK .
Arion Pepas : Lincoln County Hospital , UK .
Lara Borg , Juliet Camilleri , Luke Gatt : Mater dei Hospital , Msida , Malta .
Isabel Stabile : University of Malta , Msida , Malta .
Corresponding Author Contact Information :
Isabel Stabile : University of Malta , Msida Email : isabel . stabile @ um . edu . mt
DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.21252 / rnnf-yy60
Near Peer Learning between Medical and Physiotherapy Students : A Pilot Study of Anatomy Knowledge , Attitudes , Communication and Teamwork
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
There is ample evidence of the benefits of learning across professions in the context of gross anatomy with respect to communication , teamwork and attitudes of health care students towards each other , and a smaller body of evidence that it improves anatomy knowledge when organised and overseen by faculty . There are no published studies of such interventions by students for students exploring both anatomy knowledge and attitudinal scores . The purpose of this medical ( MD ) student-led study was to examine the effectiveness of peer-to-peer teaching and learning between MD and physiotherapy ( PT ) students in terms of anatomy knowledge , communication and teamwork attributes .
METHODS
A team of five MD students provided six upper and six lower limb anatomy demonstration sessions to 83 PT students in small groups across all three years of their degree programme . Anatomical knowledge and student attitudes towards such sessions were assessed with pre / post MCQ tests and the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale ( RIPLS ).
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean MCQ test scores after the intervention . PT students reported welcoming more such sessions . Post-intervention responses showed an improvement in PT students ’ concepts of Teamwork and Collaboration (+ 0.15 , p = 0.02 ) and Positive Professional Identity (+ 0.20 , p = 0.01 ) in all years .
CONCLUSION
This pilot study of an MD student-led intervention had positive effects on anatomy knowledge and attitudinal changes among PT students , suggesting that the integration of such sessions into health care curricula is of benefit at little to no additional cost .