Patient perceptions of innovative longitudinal integrated clerkships based in regional, rural and remote primary care: a qualitative study

Medical students at the University of Wollomgong experience continuity of patien care and clinical supervision during an innovative year-long integrated (community and hospital) clinical clerkship. In this model of clinical education, students are base in a general practice "teaching microsystem" and participate in patient care as part of this community of practice (CoP). This study evaluates patient´s preceptions of the clerkship initiative, and their perspectives in this approach to training´much needed´doctors in their community.