Training medical students in general practices: Patients' attitudes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Training medical students in the setting of family/general practice has increased considerably in the past few decades in Sri Lanka with the introduction of family medicine into the undergraduate curriculum. This study was conducted to explore patients' attitudes towards training students in fee levying general practices. METHODOLOGY: Six general practices, to represent different practices (urban, semi urban, male and female trainers) where students undergo training, were selected for the study. Randomly 50 adult patients were selected from each practice and they responded to a self administered questionnaire following a consultation where medical students had been present. RESULTS: 300 patients (57.2 % females) participated in the study. 44.1% had previously experienced students. 30.3% were able to understand English. Patients agreed to involvement of students; taking histories (95.3%), examination (88.5%), looking at reports (96.6) and presence during consultation (88.3 %). Patients' perceived no change in duration (55%) or quality (56.3%) of the consultation due to the presence of students. The majority (78%) preferred if doctor student interaction took place in their native language. 45.8% expected prior notice regarding student participation and two to three students were the preferred number. 93.6% considered their participation as a social service and only 8.8% expected a payment. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of the patients accepted the presence of students and were willing to participate in this education process without any reservation. Their wishes should be respected. The outcome of this study is an encouragement to educationists and GP teachers.