Qualitative analysis of regional campus stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefits of community engagement for medical students

Abstract

Introduction Regional medical campuses are being established to meet the needs of the community with an emphasis on community engagement. Establishing relationships with community partners is a critical step in community engagement. Following the creation of a new medical campus, the purpose of this study was to conduct interviews with community stakeholders to gather their perspective on community needs as well as desired medical student characteristics. Methods This study utilized a descriptive qualitative design inspired by grounded theory. A purposive sample was identified for semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis consisted of inductive thematic analysis with open line-by-line coding and theme identification. Results A total of 31 community stakeholders were interviewed as part of this study. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts yielded 3 themes related to desired medical student characteristics. These themes were compassion through perspective, effective communication, and value of the community-healthcare partnership. Discussion Stakeholder interviews identified desired medical student characteristics while also detailing how community engagement in medical education can provide an opportunity for further development of these characteristics. Response to the stakeholder interviews has included adjustments to a longitudinal, community engagement course as well as increased efforts to build trust with minority populations. Further efforts to acknowledge community partnerships and effectively disseminate results of community engagement projects are needed to grow the connection between the regional medical campus and the local community.

Keywords

• community engagement, undergraduate medical education, social determinants, rural, regional campus