RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has partnered with Vhi to examine the impact of student-led community health clinics. The research will explore outcomes for patients, students, and the wider community.
The initiative, known as the StEP (Student Engagement and Partnership) Health Research Partnership, will centre on RCSI’s interprofessional, student-run community health clinic – the first of its kind in Europe.
Students from disciplines including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and physiotherapy will collaborate to deliver health checks and clinics across Dublin city. Working alongside qualified healthcare professionals and in partnership with RCSI Engage, local residents, and community organisations, they will provide free and accessible services while gaining practical experience in person-centred care.
As the industry partner, Vhi will support the research evaluation. The study will analyse anonymised clinic data to measure outcomes and help shape future approaches to healthcare delivery and education.
Preventative healthcare remains unevenly distributed, particularly among low-income and marginalised groups. These clinics aim to address that gap by offering community-based services such as monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
Through interdisciplinary teamwork and clinical supervision, students gain valuable hands-on experience, while communities benefit from coordinated and accessible health support.
Prof Tracy Robson, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, said: “RCSI is proud to partner with Vhi on this important study. As Ireland’s only university entirely dedicated to medicine and health sciences, we believe in pioneering innovative community wellbeing collaboration opportunities that also give our students the best possible education.”
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