Service Learning in Medical Education: Project Description and Evaluation

This article describes the initial design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a service-learning project within a first-year medical school course. Medical students screen clients of a community agency for high blood pressure and educated them about he effects of hypertension on health. Results of the project indicated significant increases in students' attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to community health, resources, and service. Infusing medical education with service-learning activities can both meet community needs and enhance student education about the health of the public. The present findings support continued development and evaluation of service-learning projects within medical school training programs. (author)