clinical learning process of surgical technologist students: a grounded theory

Background & objective: identifying the learning process of surgical technologist students in the operating room environment can effectively reveal the factors and strategies they use to learn and enhance the quality of their education. this study aimed to elucidate the clinical learning process of surgical technologist students.materials & methods: this qualitative study employed a grounded theory approach at shahrekord university of medical sciences in 2022. data were gathered through six in-depth individual interviews and three focus groups. purposeful and theoretical sampling persisted until theoretical saturation was achieved. data analysis was conducted using maxqda10 software.results: thirteen subcategories and four main categories were found. the core variable was self-protection. students fear making mistakes in the uncertain learning environment and employ flexible strategies, utilizing relationship-oriented approaches to achieve success while avoiding performance that could hinder learning, thereby preventing issues that would protect themselves.conclusion: it is essential to enhance students’ learning by employing strategies that boost their self-confidence and avoid adhering to the current approach solely for the satisfaction of the training team, thereby preventing numerous negative consequences. clinical managers are also encouraged to foster an educational atmosphere in the operating room and to cultivate a positive attitude among employees to support student education in these settings. establishing constructive communication between the clinical environment and the educational system and emphasizing the significance of student education can improve the educational atmosphere in clinical settings.