Experiential learning on family case report development: The postgraduate interns' perspective

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> As part of their requirements for Family Medicine rotation, the postgraduate interns (PGIs) are required to construct and present a family case report. Each team of PGIs, led by a family medicine (FM) resident, identifies a family to be enrolled in the Family Health Care Program. Although this has been ongoing for years, no feedback mechanism has yet been established.<br /><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The purpose of this study was to determine the learning experiences and insights of PGIs in constructing and presenting a family case report during their rotation in the Family and Community Medicine.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> A survey questionnaire, consisting of 10 items, was given to the respondents. The respondents took as much time as they needed to complete the survey.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Overall, the results revealed that the construction and presentation of Family Case Reports provided the PGIs an avenue to practice certain competencies required in primary care setting such as patient engagement, health promotion and family oriented care. Critical thinking skills as well as patient-doctor communication were enhanced during this activity. However, a good number of PGIs resounded their sense of inadequacy and uneasiness with the application and interpretation of family assessment tools. They perceived this to be a main hindrance in coming up with the best possible case report.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The family case report remains to be a unique and productive learning endeavor for PGIs assigned in the Department of Family Medicine.</p>