Comparing consecutive third-year Chiropractic Student cohorts: A successful evaluation of the Paired Junior Clinic programme

Abstract

Introduction: A survey was conducted among third-year chiropractic students to evaluate the substantive effectiveness of junior clinical placements in preparing them for final-year clinical placements. The study aimed to assess the feelings towards perceived readiness and confidence levels of students who participated in the junior clinic program compared to those who did not. Methods: The entire third-year cohort consisting of 166 students, including 42 students involved in junior clinical placements, completed an eight-question survey. Participants in the junior clinic program and non-participants were compared to determine differences in feelings towards perceived clinical preparedness. Results: Students who participated in the junior clinic placements reported significantly higher levels of preparedness and confidence for their final-year clinical placements than non-participants. Conclusion: The survey results showed the importance of junior clinical placements in enhancing the clinical readiness of chiropractic students in preparation for their final-year clinical placement. As indicated by the data collected, the success of these placements suggests that junior clinical placements play a critical role in developing clinical competence. Indexing terms: Chiropractic; Education; Junior Clinic; Student confidence; Student preparedness; Student readiness