Using Focus Groups to Gather Student Opinions on Medical Library Resources and Space

OBJECTIVE Medical education evolves with advancing technologies, and medical students are utilizing new learning methodologies in their curriculum. Medical educators can use student feedback to assess student study habits for modifications to current resources and spaces provided by the school. We obtained student opinions to identify student utilization issues of existing library space and learning resources at [School] METHODS We performed a literature review on focus group studies at other medical schools to guide the formulation of our groups. We invited all current medical students at [School] to participate in focus groups moderated by one author and recorded via Zoom teleconferencing. Performed an anonymous post-transcriptional analysis to collate participant opinions with significant statements into general feedback themes from group discussions. RESULTS Twenty-one students participated in one of three separate focus groups of 6 to 9 students each. Feedback obtained was categorized into two major themes. The first included modifying the curriculum learning guide to include referenced page numbers and chapter titles, more efficient checkout of books, more concise resource materials, and acquiring new third-party question bank resources. The second theme of library physical facility issues included adding electrical outlets at study tables, getting better chairs for seating, getting a new printer, and adding study rooms or cubicles for more private studying. CONCLUSION Focus groups to gather medical student opinions proved to be an effective strategy to obtain feedback on current resource and space issues. In addition, the group dynamic permitted an open discussion among students with opportunities to interact with one another in creating and refining suggestions. The results from this study have helped [School] faculty to make modifications enhancing student education