Korean J Med Educ.  2025 Jun;37(2):119-131. 10.3946/kjme.2025.329.

Project-based learning in teaching health equity: a qualitative study

• Puspadewi N
• Rukmini E
• Anastasia G
• Kurniawan CD
• Amanta G

• KMID: 2568174
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2025.329

Abstract

Purpose
Addressing health inequities is an integral part of contemporary medical education (ME), yet traditional lecture-based formats often fail to develop students’ deeper understanding and engagement. This study examined how a project-based learning (PjBL) approach influenced students’ learning experiences related to health equity.
Methods
This was a qualitative phenomenology study. We designed an elective course on health equity using the PjBL approach and active learning methods. All participating students were asked to complete a group project aimed at addressing a specific health inequity issue from the surrounding community. Data were collected through reflective writing at the end of the course and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Twenty-seven codings were identified from 259 meaningful quotes (interrater agreement 99.62%) and grouped into four categories: character, role, competence, and learning experience.
Results
Three major themes emerged from data analysis: (1) key learning experiences during the ME course (active learning, role-modeling, collaborative learning, comprehensive learning, and affective learning); (2) topics that facilitated students’ understanding of health inequities and physicians’ roles, particularly in addressing health inequities in Indonesia; and (3) the influence of the ME course on students’ outlook and beliefs.
Conclusion
Although this study did not introduce a novel method of instruction, it underscores the value of PjBL in enhancing students’ capacity to understand and tackle health inequities.

Keyword

Project-based learning; Health equity; Qualitative research; Undergraduate medical education