A supportive clinical learning environment for undergraduate students in health sciences: An integrative review

Abstract

Background: The clinical learning environment is a platform where theory and practice should be integrated in a safe environment. However, many students experience the clinical learning environment as "stress provoking", because this environment is not always supportive.

Objective: The aim of the article is to report on a study that synthesized the evidence on strategies for providing a supportive clinical learning environment for undergraduate students in health sciences.

Design: The integrative review followed the methodology of Whittemore and Knafl (2005).

Data sources and review methods: We searched MEDLINE with Full Text, CINAHL with Full Text, Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, ERIC, Africa-Wide Information, OpenDissertations, CAB Abstracts, MasterFILE Premier, SocINDEX with Full Text, SPORTDiscus with Full Text and PsycARTICLES. Other data sources included grey literature and reference lists. The filtering process, quality appraisal and data extraction were carried out by at least two independent reviewers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: The search yielded 500 studies, of which nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The generated data culminated in a clinical learning environment mindmap that highlights, firstly, a network of carefully selected supporters who may have specific clinical responsibilities while supporting undergraduate students in clinical learning. Secondly, the relationship between the student, student supporter and clinical staff should create a sense of belonging, self-efficacy and self-directedness. This relationship is influenced by the roster, the ratio of students to student supporters, and appropriate learning opportunities. Thirdly, higher education institutions and healthcare providers should support students and student supporters through formal partnerships.

Conclusions: The synthesis of the evidence provided new insights regarding creating and maintaining supportive clinical learning environment strategies for undergraduate students in health sciences. These strategies may be implemented in innovative ways to provide students with the best clinical learning opportunities.

Keywords: Clinical learning environment; Integrative review; Support; Undergraduate health sciences students.