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Does teaching during a general practice consultation affect patient care?
Summary
Patients attending general practice surgeries with medical students present reported positive learning experiences but also difficulties discussing personal matters. The impact on patient care requires careful consideration in medical education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- General Practice
- Patient Experience
Background:
- General practice emphasizes personal doctor-patient relationships and holistic care, differing from hospital settings.
- Undergraduate medical education reforms increasingly involve general practitioner (GP) surgeries for teaching and learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient perspectives and experiences when a medical student is present during general practice consultations.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was developed, informed by semi-structured interviews.
- Surveys were distributed to patients who had attended teaching surgeries in London and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Main Results:
- Out of 480 questionnaires sent, 335 were analyzed (response rates: Newcastle 79%, London 60%).
- 95% of patients acknowledged the importance of their role in teaching medical students.
- While patients felt they learned more and had more time to talk, 10% withheld information, and 30% found discussing personal matters more challenging.
Conclusions:
- The presence of a medical student has a multifaceted impact on the general practice consultation.
- Evaluating future medical education initiatives must consider effects on patient care alongside educational objectives.