PATIENTS ATTITUDES TOWARD THE INVOLVEMENT OF MEDICAL-STUDENTS IN THEIR CARE

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that medical students are generally acc epted by patients, but specific details that elucidate patient percept ions of the advantages and disadvantages to student involvement have n ot been documented. This study was designed to determine variables tha t influence patient satisfaction with students. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were interviewed by one of two faculty members using a questi onnaire-style format that covered 12 variables regarding patient care. Patients were asked to rate the extent to which medical students help ed or hindered their hospital stay, with regard to the 12 variables. R ESULTS: Patients' attitudes were favorable regardless of the students' extent of clinical experience or clinical abilities or the patients' age or length of hospital stay. Patients reported that students spent time with them and answered their questions. Most patients stated that they would allow students to participate in their future hospital car e. CONCLUSION: Positive patient-student interactions can have importan t effects on patients' expectations and their acceptance of future enc ounters with students. This fact is becoming increasingly important du e to the changes in health care and the decreasing incidence of inpati ent surgical encounters.