Clinical Skills Training in the Community: Lesson Learned From Diponegoro and Gadjah Mada University

Background: Community-based education (CBE) clerkship in Faculty of Medicine Diponegoro University (FMDU) is implemented after finishing clinical rotation in tertiary hospital, whereas in Gadjah Mada University (FMGMU), is a part of clinical rotation. To have insight information of this difference method, the CBE clerkship in FMDU and FMGMU were compared.Methods: Close and open-ended students' questionnaires were administered in the end of CBE clerkship.Results: Response rate to the questionnaire was 97.8% (n=286). FMDU students reported the most unprepared skills for CBE clerkship was blood smear of malaria, whereas FMGMU's students reported management of PHC centre. Both students perceived that they are well prepared in communication skills, management of communicable diseases, and several clinical skills, and also reported that they have frequent experience in outpatient department. FMDU' students perceived that CBE clerkship gave opportunity to work independently, and they felt more prepared to work as a doctor in the community. On the other hand, FMGMU students felt not so confident in patient management, and reported that supervisor did not give enough assistance. They suggested that CBE clerkship should be done at least after clinical rotation in two Departments, i.e.: Internal Medicine or Paediatric andSurgery or Ob-gyn.Conclusions: CBE clinical clerkship required students' confidence and independency. Preparation should be done properly not only for the students but also supervisor in the community. Tertiary hospital, which has enough skillful supervisors, is important to train basic clinical skills to students before sending them to the community