Healthcare Education: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Training and Real-World Application

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/hl2022111

Keywords:

Multidisciplinary, Clinical Training, Preceptorship, Healthcare, Collaboration

Abstract

Introduction: The gap between healthcare education and the practical application of training is what this study attempts to target. It has been found that HCWs are not adequately trained on the application of their knowledge and skills in actual clinical environments, resulting in a significant problem in the healthcare sector. Thus, this study explores approaches that can make this gap narrower and contribute to building the practical competences of health sciences students.
Methods: We performed a systematic review of relevant literature and screened articles from medical and education databases. The inclusion criteria consisted of studies which were related to approaches or strategies related to bridging clinical training and practice in healthcare education. Twenty studies were included in the review which used thematic analysis for data analysis.
Results: The analysis unveiled three overarching themes: implementation of simulation-based education, practical learning experiences through internships and preceptorship activities, and teamwork and inter-professional education. These themes underscored the pivotal role that hands-on practice, real-life scenarios, and teamwork play in bridging the chasm between clinical training and real-world application.
Conclusions: Learning is the process of acquiring skills based on strategy used in clinical settings driven by real life situations. Simulation-based training allows students to practice their skills in a safe environment. Internships and preceptorship programs provide opportunities for experiential education, helping students gain actual experience and practice their practical skills. Moreover, inter-professional education and inter-professional collaboration help students learn how to function optimally in multi-disciplinary teams. These strategies should be considered by educational providers and facilities to successfully prepare healthcare students for the real-world challenges present in the healthcare environment.

References

1. Cabitza, F., Campagner, A., & Balsano, C. (2020). Bridging the “last mile” gap between AI implementation and operation: “data awareness” that matters. Annals of translational medicine, 8(7).

2. Chen, D., Liu, S., Kingsbury, P., Sohn, S., Storlie, C. B., Habermann, E. B., ... & Liu, H. (2019). Deep learning and alternative learning strategies for retrospective real-world clinical data. NPJ digital medicine, 2(1), 43.

3. Towfighi, A., Orechwa, A. Z., Aragón, T. J., Atkins, M., Brown, A. F., Brown, J., ... & Yee Jr, H. F. (2020). Bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice: Lessons learned from academic–public partnerships in the CTSA network. Journal of clinical and translational science, 4(3), 201-208.

4. Corrigan-Curay, J., Sacks, L., & Woodcock, J. (2018). Real-world evidence and real-world data for evaluating drug safety and effectiveness. Jama, 320(9), 867-868.

5. Blonde, L., Khunti, K., Harris, S. B., Meizinger, C., & Skolnik, N. S. (2018). Interpretation and impact of real-world clinical data for the practicing clinician. Advances in therapy, 35, 1763-1774.

6. Lehane, E., Leahy-Warren, P., O’Riordan, C., Savage, E., Drennan, J., O’Tuathaigh, C., ... & Hegarty, J. (2018). Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view. BMJ evidence-based medicine.

7. Di Carlo, F., Sociali, A., Picutti, E., Pettorruso, M., Vellante, F., Verrastro, V., ... & di Giannantonio, M. (2021). Telepsychiatry and other cutting‐edge technologies in COVID‐19 pandemic: Bridging the distance in mental health assistance. International journal of clinical practice, 75(1).

8. Inkster, B., Sarda, S., & Subramanian, V. (2018). An empathy-driven, conversational artificial intelligence agent (Wysa) for digital mental well-being: real-world data evaluation mixed-methods study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(11), e12106.

9. Neff, J., Holmes, S. M., Knight, K. R., Strong, S., Thompson-Lastad, A., McGuinness, C., ... & Nelson, N. (2020). Structural competency: curriculum for medical students, residents, and interprofessional teams on the structural factors that produce health disparities. MedEdPORTAL, 16, 10888.

Downloads

Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Malathi H, Choudhury SPS, Solanki S. Healthcare Education: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Training and Real-World Application. Health Leadership and Quality of Life [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 30 [cited 2025 Jul. 30];1:111. Available from: https://hl.ageditor.ar/index.php/hl/article/view/111