Student reflections of learning experiences at a homoeopathic satellite health centre

Abstract

At the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Homoeopathy is a five-year, full-time course, and course-work master’s degree. Clinical practice is a compulsory component. The purpose is to integrate the theory and practical components of the Bachelor’s degree in Technology in Homoeopathy (B. Tech. Hom.) and Master’s degree in Technology in Homoeopathy (M. Tech. Hom.), in order to produce competent and independent homoeopathic practitioners capable of restoring patients’ health by utilising homoeopathic and naturopathic therapeutics. Students have to complete a prescribed number of patients during their B. Tech. Hom. and M. Tech. Hom. degrees in a clinical setting where students can apply clinical homoeopathic knowledge with regard to the physical examination, diagnosis and treatment under the supervision of a qualified and experienced clinician. In addition to this, the clinician on duty conducts onsite assessment of specific clinical examinations. The Department of Homoeopathy has established five homoeopathic community health centres in different areas of eThekwini district which serve as teaching clinics and render free primary health care services to the community. Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre (UNHCHC) is one of these health centres. No documented studies have been conducted on students’ perceptions with regard to their learning experiences at UNHCHC, commonly known as Ukuba. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to explore students’ reflections on their learning experiences at a homoeopathic satellite health centre, namely, UNHCHC. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was employed (Polit and Beck 2012). Semi-structured was interviews were conducted between the researcher and the participants, on one-on-one basis. A purposive sample of 13 registered full-time B. Tech. Hom. and M. Tech. Hom. students were selected to participate in the study. Data collection took place until a point of saturation was reached, however, after this point was reached one more participant was recruited. The emerging data was thereafter analysed using thematic analysis guided by Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis (Creswell 2009) to develop themes and sub-themes. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25) was used to analyse demographic data. Findings Three main themes were identified, viz. influence of the learning environment on students’ learning experience, influence of the Homoeopathy curriculum on students learning experience, and influence of the homoeopathic clinic supervision on students’ learning experience. Participants were very positive and reported that UNHCHC provided them with a good learning experience. Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre provided a good clinical learning environment by exposing participants to diverse patients, affording them the opportunity to practice homoeopathy first-hand and improve their communication skills with patients. The Homoeopathic curriculum content and subject modules were highlighted as a key influence in the successful preparation of participants for patient management at the UNHCHC. With regards to the influence of clinical supervision on the learning experience of students, it emerged that the supportive nature of the clinical supervisors in the clinic, their friendship, politeness and empathy, years of homoeopathy experience and knowledge, was advantageous to the participants’ learning experience. Nonetheless, the participants noted a negative impact pertaining to clinical supervision which included one clinician on site being insufficient because it puts the clinician under pressure at the UNHCHC. Another point that was made by participants as a negative perception, was the inconsistency of clinical supervision by some clinicians. The aim of this study was to explore the students’ reflections on their learning experiences at a homoeopathic satellite health centre, namely, UNHCHC. The researcher is of a perception that the study did achieve what it was seeking to achieve. Having said this, the implications are therefore for the department of homoeopathy to reflect on these findings so as to whether look at how clinical supervision is conducted and how to enhance the graduate attributes. It may also be worthwhile for the department to improve on other logistical matters that were raised as an issue of concern by the students i.e. transport, overcrowding of students per session. The department must be also commended for the positive outcomes such as clinical experience, ability to communicate with patients and diversity of patients the participants were exposure to This also has an implication on the internship that is about to commence in 2020 that these reflections may contribute as to the areas that still need further development of students in the clinical field that is required for minimum competency as per legislation. Conclusion This study found that students perceived UNHCHC to be very crucial and contributing positively in their learning experience. Further, they also provided constructive feedback on the areas needing improvement. This feedback included the shortage of clinicians, the need for the clinician to observe and validate proper physical examinations in the consultation room, and the late arrival of transport from DUT to the clinic.