Benefits of a Student Laboratory Team in the Free Clinic Setting: Enhancing Student Education and Patient Care

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of health insurance poses a significant problem in the United States and substantially impacts national health. Student-run free clinics, such as the Health Outreach Partnership of EVMS Students (HOPES) Clinic at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), serve to decrease the adverse health effects caused by lack of health insurance. Within the EVMS HOPES Clinic, the Laboratory Team offers valuable patient services while providing learning experiences to student volunteers. This investigation serves to assess the value of a Laboratory Team or a similar volunteer team in the student-run free clinic setting.

Methods: A retrospective review of previously collected EVMS HOPES Laboratory Team data logs, staff roster, and standard operating procedures from January 1, 2015 through May 31, 2015 was conducted. HOPES Laboratory service data for all clinics, general health and specialty, were included and analyzed. Seven EVMS students were on the Laboratory Team staff roster during the study period with representatives from both the EVMS M.D. program and the Physician Assistant program.

Results: From January 1, 2015 through May 31, 2015, six types of laboratory services were offered: blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, urinalysis, urine pregnancy, hemoccult, and electrocardiogram testing. Sixty-five laboratory tests were completed by HOPES Laboratory Team Staff with a mean number of 2.2 tests (range=0-13) completed per three-hour Laboratory Team shift.

Discussion: The EVMS HOPES Clinic Laboratory Team aids patients and educates future medical professionals. The value of the Laboratory Team in both student education and patient care supports the establishment of a similar team in other student-run free clinic settings as well.