Patients' attitude towards bedside teaching in Tunisia

To assess patient' reaction towards bedside teaching at the University Hospital of Monastir (Tunisia) and to identify the factors that may influence it.

A cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2012 at the University Hospital of Monastir. Each department, except the psychiatric department and the intensive care units, was visited in one day. All inpatients present on the day of the study were interviewed by four trained female nurses using a structured questionnaire.

Of the 401 patients approached, 356 (88.8%) agreed to participate. In general, the results demonstrate that patients were positive toward medical students' participation. The highest acceptance rates were found in situations where there is no direct contact between the patient and the student (e.g. when reading their medical file, attending ward rounds and observing doctor examining them). As the degree of students' involvement increased, the refusal rate increased. Gender, age, educational level, marital status and the extent of students' involvement in patient's care were identified as the main factors affecting patients' attitude.

Taking advantage of this attitude, valorizing patient role as educator and using further learning methods in situations where patient's consent for student involvement was not obtained should be considered to guarantee optimal care and safety to patients and good medical education to future physicians.