Learning by Doing: Students' Experiences of Interprofessional Education and Community Partnership in a Pilot Student-Run Clinic. A Practice Report

This report presents an evaluation of students' experiences in a student -run clinic project in Aotearoa New Zealand, aiming to provide interprofessional learning opportunities and accessible health services to the community. Qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with students' post -clinical placement. A six -step thematic data analytic approach guided identification of three key themes: placement preparation and understanding expectations, interprofessional relationships and collaboration, and learning experience and value. Students reported positive experiences in this student -run clinic placement, including in respect to collaborative experiences, the development of interprofessional relationships, and value of the learning experience. This report highlights the need for enhanced preplacement preparation and clarification of expectations regarding a community -based interprofessional placement experience, particularly for first year students. The student -run clinic model has potential to address healthcare disparities and enhance learning through community -engaged experiences. Results provide insights for educational institutions and healthcare providers looking to implement similar initiatives, emphasising collaborative partnerships and student -centred interprofessional education.