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.Practice points•Patients are in general favourable towards medical student presence during consultations.•Older patients, patients born in the UK and patients with prior experience of medical students seem to be more favourable towards medical student participation.•Compared with the White-British population patients from the non-White-British population are less receptive towards medical students.•Patient education towards the importance of medical student involvement for the training of future doctors is highlighted.•Patient rights of consent and choice should not be compromised.