• Anjali Vaidyanathan, Layal Khoursheed, and Sarah Merrifield.
• University of Manchester.
• Br J Gen Pract. 2023 Jul 1; 73 (suppl 1).

BackgroundService-learning is a form of experiential education that is beginning to be implemented internationally within undergraduate curriculums. It has the potential to significantly enhance clinical practice and students' learning, while simultaneously addressing community needs. Embedding civic engagement into students' learning should aim to increase understanding of populations as well as enhance clinical prowess.AimThe aim of this research is to explore the benefit of service-learning for medical students and consider ways in which it can be further incorporated into curriculums.MethodThis systematic review looked at research through PubMed, OVID, Taylor & Francis online journals, and Manchester University's library sources. The research considered publications dealing with different types of service-learning for medical students.ResultsIn total, 14 key papers were identified. The results demonstrated that service-learning is a way of actively learning, providing a service to the community, and enabling students to learn from people of wider professions. The use of student-led clinics enabled students to develop their interpersonal skills while serving society. There was also evidence that service-learning enhanced skill development, such as empathy, team working, and communication skills.ConclusionStudent placements are often thought of in a clinical setting where students shadow doctors in a less active role. The research shows that over the past 20 years, incorporation of service-learning into medical programmes has been more commonplace and is an effective addition to the curriculum. It combines clear learning objectives with service provision to communities, in order to aid in medical students' education and the development of necessary clinical skills.© British Journal of General Practice 2023.

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