Perceptions of the implementation of a case-creation methodology in a health management course among medical students: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundIn Peru, the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos involved teachers and students in the creation of management cases in the Rural Urban Marginal Health Service (SERUMS). However, their perception of the implementation of this methodology is not known. ObjectiveTo evaluate the perception of students and teachers on the implementation of a case-creation methodology in the Health Management course at UNMSM. MethodsMixed methods design. Questionnaires (quantitative phase) and focus groups (qualitative phase) were used to explore the perceptions of students and teachers on the implementation of a case-creation methodology in the Health Management course at UNMSM during 2019. ResultsOf the 182 surveyed students, 61% found the created cases interesting and 63% stated that the methodology encourages the use of critical thinking. Qualitatively, the possibility to learn about real SERUMS cases and work collaboratively to find innovative solutions was highlighted. However, several mentioned that this led to an academic overload and emphasized a lack of information on the topic. Teachers mentioned that the methodology promoted learning in management, though they recognized challenges in its implementation due to the limited experience and training of teachers and students. ConclusionsThe case-creation methodology is perceived as an innovative and beneficial and educational strategy for teaching managerial aspects in SERUMS. However, an adequate process of training, planning, and organization is suggested for its effective implementation.