The effect of clinical teaching on patient satisfaction in rural and community settings

Few studies have examined the effect of clinical teaching on patient satisfaction in rural and community-based settings. We sought to examine whether patient satisfaction differed when patients were seen by a physician alone or by a physician and medical student in these settings.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in rural and community-based settings in southern Ontario (3 obstetrician-gynecologist offices and 4 family medicine clinics). Patients seen by a physician with or without a medical student present completed satisfaction and attitudes questionnaires about their experience.

Patient satisfaction was high across both groups and did not differ when segregated by patient age, sex or employment status. Satisfaction scores were similar for patients seen by a physician with or without a student present. Satisfaction scores did not differ based on practice location. Patients' reasons for agreeing to be seen by a medical student included helping to teach students about medical concerns and helping to train future doctors.

Patients in rural and community-based outpatient settings were satisfied with their care when a medical student was involved.