Journal Article

Patient Advocates: What Are Students Learning?

Ahluwalia, Puneet, Ajikan, Olorunfemi, Buelow, Janet R.

2019

Overview

This study aims to describe one service-learning program and evaluate the primary learning competencies students identified while engaged in the service. The Patient Advocacy Program was established as an upper-level elective course in 2014 and has been offered three semesters per year since its inception. The structure of the course is a truly collaborative effort of preceptor organizations and educators. Students are scheduled for two four-hour shifts per week in either a hospital emergency department or safety-net clinics. Along with their on-site work, they participate in monthly classes, online quizzes, weekly reflective journals, and quantitative reports. Although the course is not easy, students have overwhelmingly reported positively on their experiences and noted their patient advocacy experience to support graduate school or job applications. Data were gathered from 51 health administration students' weekly journals, totaling approximately 850 pages. Using content analysis and an abbreviated list of Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) competencies, the most common learning themes were identified. These competency-based learning themes were: (1) understanding the patient experience, (2) collaborating with clinicians, (3) understanding the sociocultural environment that impacts patients' health, and (4) professional accountability. The student quotes and reflections provided here demonstrate that this program is one academic option that can facilitate student competencies.

• Publisher: Association of University Programs in Health Administration
• Subject: Elective Courses / Learning / Students