Continuing education for medical students: a library model

J Med Libr Assoc. 2015 Oct;103(4):203-7. doi: 10.3163/1536-5050.103.4.009.

Abstract

Purpose: The research assessed a three-year continuing medical education-style program for medical students in a Midwestern academic medical library.

Methods: A mixed methods approach of a survey and two focus groups comparing attendees versus non-attendees assessed the program.

Results: Eleven students participated in the focus groups. Attendance was driven by topic interest and lunch. Barriers included lack of interest, scheduling, location, and convenience.

Conclusions: Although attendance was a challenge, students valued opportunities to learn new skills. This study show cases a reproducible method to engage students outside the curriculum.

Keywords: Education, Continuing; Focus Groups; Information Literacy; Medical Subject Headings: Students, Medical; Teaching.

MeSH terms

  • Education, Medical, Continuing*
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Libraries, Medical*
  • Models, Organizational*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Students, Medical*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires