Purpose: Fifteen years ago, a European survey demonstrated widespread adoption of early clinical exposure (ECE) programmes but little emphasis in the curricula of medical schools. We now repeat the survey in light of the ample emerging data suggesting multiple positive outcomes of ECE.
Methods: Online cross-sectional survey in European medical schools conducted by the EURACT Basic Medical Education Committee in 2021. Descriptive quantitative analyses and a thematic analysis approach were used.
Results: Eighy-nine (48%) medical schools in 30 European countries responded. ECE was used in 65 (73%) of the medical schools, and 88% of ECE programmes took place in primary care. The median total time spent on the ECE programme was 5 days. Teaching methods covered unstructured learning opportunities such as observation or shadowing doctors, as well as work-based learning whilst seeing real patients or reflecting on own encounters. Learning goals included knowledge, skills, and attitudes. More than half of the respondents expressed barriers to implementing or expanding ECE.
Conclusions: Compared to the previous survey, there was no significant change in the adoption or curricular emphasis of ECE programmes. Institutional attitudes towards certain disciplines and a lack of willingness to experiment with new teaching methods may be partially responsible.
Keywords: Early clinical exposure; Europe; medical curricula; preclinical; undergraduate education.