Background: Trinity Health Services (THS) is a free clinic that serves the homeless community of Braamfontein. The clinic is run by pharmacy and medical students registered in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, assisted by academic staff. This setting provided an ideal space to document the interprofessional experiences between these two groups of students outside of formal lectures or clinical exposures. Therefore, the research question for this study was: What are the learning experiences of medical and pharmacy students working at an inner-city student-driven clinic? Methods: A convenience sampling method was employed. All students, who volunteered at the clinic on one or more occasion, were invited to participate in a discipline-specific focus group discussion (FGD). Four FGDs were held with between six and eight participants in each. The FGDs were facilitated by a faculty member not involved with the clinic. The recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically, using Tesch's eight steps. Results: The following three themes emerged relating to learning experiences: “add more tools to your toolbox;” learning from supervisors and peers, and “we can really make a difference.” These themes formed the framework for learning at THS. Patient care is placed at the core of the framework, and recognizing that learning occurs through serving, three learning outcomes were identified, namely health and homelessness; communication; clinical and communication skills as well as primary health care. Learning was facilitated through interactions with peers, supervisors, and interprofessional relationships. Discussion: The authentic learning experience led to development of accountability, communication, and responsibility. A framework emerged for learning from opportunities central to patient care.

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Background: Peer assessment is a well-established tool in peer-assisted learning, however there is little work in its use across a multidisciplinary cohort. Twenty-two students of a variety of undergraduate backgrounds from different nationalities attended a 3-week university summer school on the topic of peripheral nerve injuries. Methods: Peer assessment of an oral presentation made up an aspect of the formative assessment of the course. Students were surveyed using a Likert score on their impression of peer assessment as a learning and assessment tool. Results: Fourteen (64%) students agreed that the peer assessment process improved the learning process and 5 (23%) strongly agreed. Thirteen (59%) students agreed and nine (41%) strongly agreed that it improved the engagement with their peers' presentation. Seventeen (77%) students either agreed or strongly agreed that it was appropriate to use as a method of formative assessment. Discussion: Students agreed that peer assessment improved learning and engagement and is an appropriate assessment tool. Whereas peer assessment has been proven to be an effective method for assessment and reflective learning within a homogenous group, this study demonstrates that this remains true in a heterogeneous cohort of international undergraduates where expertise, underlying knowledge base, and learning approaches may vary.

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Background: The 360° feedback tool emerges as one of the most effective techniques for the assessment of humanistic qualities and communication skills of medical trainees, providing effective feedback. A valid Spanish version of this tool has not yet been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability and feasibility rates of the Mini-peer Assessment Tool (Mini-PAT), a 360° feedback instrument, translated into Spanish applied on a cardiology residency program. Methods: We translated the Mini-PAT questionnaire into Spanish. The validation sample included all residents in our cardiology program (n = 19). Each resident was evaluated by 8 raters chosen by themselves, through a 4-point Likert scale. Validity was evaluated with factor analysis and reliability by analyzing internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Feasibility was defined by a minimum of 80% of the raters responding the questionnaire. Results: The factor analysis clearly identified five item groupings, similar to the theoretical attributes predefined in the original questionnaire, providing evidence of the validity of the Spanish version. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92, indicating high internal consistency of the items included. All the evaluators proposed completed the electronic form (152 surveys) demonstrating feasibility to implement. Discussion: This study provides evidence of reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the 360° feedback tool Mini-PAT performed in a cardiology residency program to assess global performance and humanistic qualities.

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Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern in Jordan, which has experienced a noticeable transition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, due to nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases. The nutrition profession has also advanced in Jordan, but the expansion is not as robust as changes happening in other healthcare sectors. This brief report examines the current nutrition-affiliated programs offered in postsecondary institutions in Jordan. Methods: An electronic review of university websites and department webpages of all private and public universities in Jordan was conducted to identify the nutrition programs offered. Results: A total of 29 universities were identified; 10 public and 19 private universities. Eight universities (three private and five public) offered nutrition degree programs; all eight offered bachelor's degrees in human nutrition. One offered a PhD in nutrition and dietetics, and three offered master's degrees in nutrition and food sciences. Discussion: Postsecondary education in Jordan is progressing; however, few institutions offered nutrition education programs that prepare students to practice. The nutrition profession still lacks an official organization in Jordan compared to its European and U.S. counterparts. Establishment of a nutrition and dietetics organization that cooperates with universities to develop national recognitions and guidelines is necessary.

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