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Are the bigger hospitals better: DREEM on?

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Abstract

Background

Clinical teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum occurs at diverse sites. Analysis of the quality or effectiveness of such sites centres on student feedback. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) is a standardised instrument used internationally to analyse the educational environment.

Aim

Our objective was to analyse and compare the student experience at a range of hospital clinical sites in the year 3 undergraduate medical programme in the School of Medicine in University College Cork using the DREEM.

Methods

All year 3 students were asked to complete the DREEM at the end of each hospital rotation.

Results

All hospital sites performed well but smaller hospitals perform particularly well.

Conclusions

In the current climate, schools are compelled to make strategic decisions regarding the configuration of clinical teaching in a context where healthcare is also increasingly centralised. However, it is clear that smaller hospitals are preferred by students.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to all the year 3 students in 2008/2009, all the clinical teachers and our team of clinical tutors: Dr Aislinn Joy, Dr. Brad Noel, Dr. Gabriella Rizzo, Ms Michelle Reardon, Dr. Claire O’Brien & Dr. Clare O Leary, who make such an invaluable contribution to the school.

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Correspondence to D. Bennett.

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Bennett, D., Kelly, M. & O’Flynn, S. Are the bigger hospitals better: DREEM on?. Ir J Med Sci 179, 515–519 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0551-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0551-x

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