Clinical learning environment, role of the teacher, learning in a clinical practicum, and associated educational factors as perceived by healthcare students: a quantitative cross-sectional study

Aim: To explore the clinical learning environment (CLES), the role of the teacher (Tc2), and learning in a clinical practicum (LCP), and to explain the associated educational factors from healthcare students’ perspectives. Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: An online survey comprising CLES, Tc2 and LCP scales, each of which was measured using a10-point Likert scale, was used to collect data from 1133 healthcare students at the end of their clinical practicum inauniversity hospital district in Finland. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficients, and linear models. Results: Students rated CLES (median 9.23) and LCP (median 9.13) the highest, and Tc2 (median 7.64) the lowest. Moderate positive correlations were found between CLES and Tc2 (rs=0.438, p<0.0001), as well as between CLES and LCP (rs=0.625, p<0.0001). The strongest positive correlation was found between the premises oflearning and LCP. Additionally, significant positive associations were found between several educational factors and CLES, Tc2, and LCP. Conclusion: The role of the teacher should be further explored to meet the expectations of healthcare students and better support their clinical learning. More objective measurements are needed to focus on the students’ achievement ofintended learning outcomes that facilitate their transition from students to professionals.