The teacher-student-patient relationship in family practice: common dilemmas

When students are included in administering patient care, the doctor-patient relationship changes. Because of frequent turnover of students, continuity of care poses a major dilemma. One key to success is to help students deal with issues of change and loss, both in their own experience and in that of their patients. It is also important for supervisors to maintain direct patient contact, especially with new or complex patients or at a patient's request or at the request of a resident or a nurse, or when the teacher cannot get a good "feel" for the patient's problem at second hand. Supervisors should also recognize the effects of different approaches to supervision on relationships with patients and with students.