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

Whilst most patients are happy to participate in medical examinations, previous studies have shown that some are dissatisfied with the information that they receive beforehand.

To demonstrate that patient satisfaction can be improved by the provision of written information.

Thirty-seven patients attending the final MBBS examination were sent written information about what to expect. The patients' experiences were assessed by means of an anonymous postal questionnaire 1 week after the examination. Their satisfaction with the level of information received beforehand was compared with that of an historical cohort who had received no written information.

The patients had few complaints about their experience of participating in examinations and many enjoyed it. Only 5% of patients registered dissatisfaction with the level of information that was provided, compared with 18% in the previous study (P = 0.077).

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 written information.