Table 1 Categorised description and characteristics of the 23 included studies (Findings of individual studies could belong to more than one category)
Category | n (%) |
|---|---|
Study design | |
cross-sectional | 16 (64) |
prospective cohort | 2 (8) |
quasi-experimental | 4 (16) |
randomised | 2 (8) |
mixed-methods | 1 (4) |
with pre-test-post-test assessment | 23 (100) |
Frequency of course | |
single time activity | 11 (47.8) |
multiple times occurring during the year | 2 (8.7) |
annually | 10 (43.5) |
Duration of educational intervention | |
  < 6 h | 9 (39.1) |
  > 6 h, <  1 week | 2 (8.7) |
1–8 weeks | 7 (30.4) |
over 8 weeks, up to one semester | 5 (21.7) |
Educational strategies (n = 44) | |
small-group discussion | 7 (15.9) |
simulation | 6 (13.6) |
workshops | 5 (11.4) |
large-group lecture | 4 (9.1) |
community-based projects | 4 (9.1) |
reflective exercises | 4 (9.1) |
clinical teaching/direct patient interaction | 3 (6.8) |
patient case analysis | 2 (4.5) |
shadowing | 2 (4.5) |
eLearning | 2 (4.5) |
other (e.g., family visits, joint lab sessions) | 5 (11.4) |
Professions represented | |
only medical students | 3 (13) |
two* | 12 (52.2) |
three* | 4 (17.4) |
four professions or more* | 4 (17.4) |
Outcomes (n = 49) | |
attitudes | 38 (77.6) |
satisfaction | 8 (16.3) |
skills | 1 (2) |
other | 2 (4.1) |
Assessment methods (n = 46) | |
 self-reported questionnaire (attitudes/satisfaction) | 35 (76.1) |
debriefs/interviews/focus groups | 1 (2.2) |
program feedback/evaluation | 4 (8.7) |
knowledge test | 1 (2.2) |
ratings for skill performance | 2 (4.3) |
other | 3 (6.5) |
Reliability reported | 4 (12.8) |
Validity reported | 4 (12.8) |