Addressing unprofessional behaviors in the clinical learning environment: lessons from a multi-year virtual, intergenerational, interdisciplinary workshop

Med Educ Online. 2024 Dec 31;29(1):2316491. doi: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2316491. Epub 2024 Feb 14.

Abstract

Introduction: Optimizing the clinical learning environment (CLE) is a medical education priority nationwide.

Materials and methods: We developed a virtual, one-hour workshop engaging students, housestaff and faculty in small-group discussions of five case scenarios adapted from reported unprofessional behaviors in the CLE, plus didactics regarding mistreatment, microaggressions and bystander interventions.

Results: Over two sessions (2021-2022), we engaged 340 students and 73 faculty/housestaff facilitators. Post-session surveys showed significant improvement in participants' ability to recognize and respond to challenges in the CLE.

Discussion: Our innovative workshop, including scenarios derived from institutional reports of unprofessional behaviors, advanced participants' knowledge and commitment to improve the CLE.

Keywords: Clinical learning environment; interdisciplinary; microaggressions; mistreatment; professionalism.

MeSH terms

  • Education, Medical*
  • Faculty
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Professional Misconduct
  • Students, Medical*

Grants and funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.