Study of Learning and Teaching Styles in Community and Family Medicine; A Course in Medical Education Center at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital

Abstract

Background: The course of community and family medicine at the Medical Education Center, MNST Hospital aimed to inform students on community lifestyles and community health problems. This curriculum was established in 1999, thus it is necessary to improve it for the present day.

Objective: To study the learning and teaching styles, the opinions of medical studentsand host families in community and family medicine at the Medical Education Center, Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital.

Materials and Methods: Questionnaires and focus groups were used to collect information from 31 medical students, their medical adviser, host families and villages. Furthermore, interview with 6 host families had also been done.

Results: Questionnaires showed that the curriculum of community and family medicine was very satisfactory (Mean 4.46 ± 0.41), the stays with host families were very satisfactory (Mean 4.64 ± 0.39), their medical adviser in selected villages was very satisfactory (Mean 4.57 ± 0.46), and their lecturer in the concept and theory of community medicine was satisfactory (Mean 4.44 ± 0.43). According to a discussion with medical students, the timing of the course was appropriate. Regarding the curriculum, students suggested that the tools for the communitystudy should be done before going to the villages in order to save time. Moreover, the score for community and family medicine, particularly in field practice, should be increased from 50% to 60%.

Conclusion: Students were satisfied with the curriculum and each felt that they had gained inrelationships with their host families and villagers. Furthermore, improvement in community health seems more attainable.