Evaluating student responses to incorporate Vulnerable Patient Population centered content into the curriculum

Purpose: Vulnerable patient populations are considered groups of people who cannot access healthcare resources or services due to social barriers. Despite advances in the healthcare system and medical education, providers still report feeling less comfortable caring for these patients, and medical students around the country report not feeling this topic is adequately addressed in their curricula. The goal of this project was to evaluate students’ responses to introducing an optional curriculum dedicated to discussing four vulnerable populations (Transgender Patients, Incarcerated Patients, Housing Insecure Patients, and Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Patients). Our expectation is that students will feel more comfortable being a part of these patient’s healthcare teams, and determine the value of providing students with a manageable curriculum focused on these topics.

Methods: The tested curriculum consists of four modules, with each dedicated to one of the populations. Each module consists of a pre-recorded video lecture, a supplemental article, and an optional 30 minute interactive session with a content expert who is currently a healthcare provider focused on each population. Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine students voluntarily participated in this evaluation activity. A literature review was performed to create the content outline and objectives. This information was presented in a short pre-recorded video lecture taught by peers. Supplemental articles were chosen to pair with each video. After completing the modules, participants had the option to a virtual interactive meeting where a content expert that works with each of these patient populations had 30 minutes to talk about their experiences and answer questions. The students then consented to an anonymous post-survey to evaluate if they feel that taking this course has benefited their educational experience and if they feel more prepared to be a part of a healthcare team for these patients. All content and materials were reviewed by content experts.

Results: 26 students signed up to take the course, and 20 students completed the modules and attended the optional content expert session. Of those 20 students, 90% completed the post-course survey. The survey showed that students feel vulnerable patient populations are important to learn about, that each population has specific healthcare considerations that should be taught, and that a course similar to this is beneficial to their education. Participants reported feeling more informed about caring for these patients and have taken away information that will be valuable in their future practice.

Conclusion: Medical students feel that vulnerable patient populations and their barriers to healthcare are important topics that should be discussed in medical school curriculums. Students recognize that each population has specific healthcare needs that should be individualized to them, and that incorporating a course that discusses this would be beneficial to their classroom and clinical training. The participating students reported that they gained new, useful knowledge that will help them be more supportive for these patients, and wish to see similar content incorporated into the curriculum and expanded on in the future. In conclusion these results are interesting and suggest conducting a research study in the future.