Perspectives of undergraduate module convenors at a South African academic institution on medical student training in evidence-based health care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The increasing burden of disease in Africa requires medical graduates to have broad, problem solving abilities. Interviews were conducted with undergraduate module convenors to assess their perspectives on opportunities for and barriers to strengthening teaching and learning of evidence-based health care (EBHC). Methods: Qualitative research methods were used. Faculty convening medical undergraduate teaching modules were purposively sampled. Data collection was done using focus group or individual interviews. Trained interviewers conducted interviews and transcribed data. Investigators conducted data analysis and interpretation by identifying key themes related to each study objective. Results We conducted five focus groups and 10 individual interviews and interviewed module convenors responsible for theory and clinical modules, and from various disciplines. The interviewees felt that EBHC teaching and learning were not optimal and indicated varying support for enhancing this. They identified a number of factors that need to be considered in addressing thus - contextual factors within the faculty (e.g. recognition for teaching), health sector issues (e.g. clinical workload), access to research evidence, and issues related to lecturers (e.g. competing priorities) and learners (e.g. motivation). The interviewees emphasised the key roles of lecturers as facilitators and role models. Planning together to identify opportunities to integrate teaching and assessment, while ensuring coherence, having clear and explicit outcomes and promoting faculty development were regarded as central to strengthening EBHC teaching and learning. Conclusions: Teaching and learning of EBHC are important for promoting critical thinking and reasoning, and equipping new medical graduates to function optimally within the healthcare system. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2015; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2015.1090689