Evaluation of the Education System through Peers in Clinics

Introduction: Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is one of the several methods available for learning and teaching. Peer learning is an educational approach, in which people from the same social groups who are not professional teachers help each other to learn. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the education system through peers in clinics in Shiraz, Iran in 2010. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the effect of PAL on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students in the pediatric and surgical departments of Namazi Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS 22 software. Results: This study was conducted on 100 participants: 70 in the pediatric group and 30 in the surgical group. Among the participants, 60% were female and 40% male. The results revealed a significant difference between the two departments regarding the quality of education, interaction, and time management. Yet, it should be noted that a large number of participants had not participated in the introductory sessions. Conclusion: Defining the standard model of clinical education as well as making revisions during the training period are among the criteria for improving the quality of clinical education. Due to the excellent quality of education, interaction, and time management in the pediatric ward compared to the surgical ward, hospital managers are recommended to make the most of the experiences and strengths of this ward. Financial support can also help improve the quality of clinical education.