University Honors

Abstract Problem Healthcare accessibility continues to be a significant challenge for many residents of the Inland Empire. This issue has prompted the construction of multiple student-run free clinics at the University of California, Riverside. These include Riverside Free Clinic, Inland Empire Street Medicine, and Coachella Valley Free Clinic. These student-run free clinics provide patients with free healthcare services and resources, while also allowing students to gain valuable patient care experience. However, the true effectiveness of student-run free clinics remains a question many stakeholders continue to ask. Current literature evaluates the educational effectiveness of student-run free clinics for medical and undergraduate students through surveys, with the current widespread model being susceptible to positive-response bias. Approach This research aims to bridge the gap in current knowledge by analyzing existing literature regarding educational effectiveness of student-run free clinics. This research also aims to construct a new survey model that can be utilized by UCRís student-run free clinics in the future to more accurately evaluate educational effectiveness. Educational effectiveness in this research is defined as a free clinicís ability to provide meaningful experiences that develop clinical competencies, deepen understanding of health inequities, and promote primary care interest in students. Outcomes In this comprehensive literature review, we have identified key gaps in how student-run free clinics evaluate their impact on student education. To address this issue, we are proposing a new survey model, which is designed to remove positive-response bias and utilize more qualitative data. This model strays away from subjective opinions and focuses more on specific ways in which student-run free clinic participation has influenced clinical competency, understanding of healthcare barriers, and interest in primary care. Next Steps Our future plans are to submit an IRB proposal and distribute this survey model to the UCR student-run free clinics. We can then collect data from undergraduate and medical student populations volunteering at these student-run free clinics to analyze and refine the model. With this refined model, we aim to provide a new framework for how student-run free clinics in other areas can measure their educational effectiveness.