Experiences of volunteer patients during undergraduate examinations: printed information can lead to greater satisfaction

Background Whilst most patients are happy to participate in medical examina tions, previous studies have shown that some are dissatisfied with the info rmation that they receive beforehand. Objectives To demonstrate that patient satisfaction can be improved by the provision of written information. Methods Thirty-seven patients attending the final MBBS examination were sen t written information about what to expect. The patients' experiences were assessed by means of an anonymous postal questionnaire 1 week after the exa mination. Their satisfaction with the level of information received beforeh and was compared with that of an historical cohort who had received no writ ten information Results The patients had few complaints about their experience of participa ting in examinations and many enjoyed it. Only 5% of patients registered di ssatisfaction with the level of information that was provided, compared wit h 18% in the previous study (P = 0.077). Conclusions Written information led to a (near significant) improvement in patients satisfaction when compared to a previous cohort. We recommend that all patients attending for medical examinations should be provided with wr itten information.