Patients’ attitudes towards the presence of medical students during consultations

Abstract

This study analyses the attitudes of patients towards the presence of medical students during consultations. It was conducted in a very culturally and ethnically diverse part of London. The study aimed to investigate the factors, particularly ethnicity, which influence patients’ attitudes towards medical students. A total of 422 patients participated in the study, which was conducted in general practice and hospital outpatient waiting areas in the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney. In general, the results demonstrate that patients are positive towards medical student participation during consultations. In particular, older patients, patients born in the UK and patients with prior experience of medical students seem to be particularly favourable towards students. However, compared with the White-British population, the non-White-British population appears to be more negative towards medical student participation. This study highlights the need for patient education regarding the importance, for the training of future doctors, of medical student involvement in consultations.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tawfiqur Rahman Choudhury

TAWFIQUR RAHMAN CHOUDHURY is a final-year medical student at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London. He did an intercalated BSc in Molecular Medicine at University College London. His research interests include medical education.

Ali A. Moosa

ALI MOOSA is a final-year medical student at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London. He has a keen interest in vascular dynamics and medical education.

Annie Cushing

ANNIE CUSHING, PhD FDSRCS BDS, is a Reader in Communication Skills and Head of CCLSU at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London. Her research interests include teaching and learning methodologies, and assessment in communication and interpersonal skills.

Jonathan Bestwick

JONATHAN BESTWICK is a Junior Statistician at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry.