Student and patient perspectives on the interaction between supervisors, students and patients during the clinical teaching experience at a university out-patient clinic: a descriptive pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Study objective: To determine student and patient perspectives on clinical teaching in an out-patient setting. Design: Questionnaire using fixed-response, 5-point Likert scales, yes/no response and open comments. Setting: The Osteopathic Medicine Clinic, Victoria University, Australia. Participants: 100 patients and 152 senior clinical students and graduates. Measurements and main results: 96% of students found out-patient teaching to be a valuable way of gaining professional skills. 92% strongly agreed or agreed that out-patient teaching is an effective way to develop skills in history taking, conducting physical examinations (87%), enhancing communication skills (85%), and to develop record keeping (72%) and time-management skills (60%). The preferred location for the presentation of patient cases was in the tutorial room away from the patient. 100% of patients indicated that they were comfortable with the history taking in the out-patient setting with 84% of patients indicating that their experience of out-patient teaching would make them more likely to refer other patients. 96% of patients indicated that out-patient teaching did not make them anxious with 84% reporting that the clinical discussion of their case increased their knowledge of their clinical problem. 27% of patients suggested that there were some aspects of the clinical discussion that they didn't understand with 4% of patients finding that some discussion was inappropriate. Conclusions: Clinical teaching is a significant aspect of any medically focussed program of study. The clinical teaching environment should be a positive learning experience for the student while also providing for quality care of the patient. Reviews of student and patient perspectives regarding the out-patient teaching environment can be effective tools to inform curriculum development and clinic management.