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Bedside case presentations: why patients like them but learners don't
R M Wang-Cheng1, G P Barnas, P Sigmann
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Patients appreciate bedside case presentations, but medical students and residents prefer discussing cases away from the patient. Faculty attitudes are divided, highlighting a need for improved bedside rounds.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Clinical Practice
- Patient Communication
Background:
- Bedside case presentations are a traditional medical education method.
- Attitudes towards bedside rounds vary among different healthcare professionals and patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient, medical student, housestaff, and faculty perceptions of bedside case presentations.
- To identify discrepancies in attitudes and inform best practices for clinical rounds.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to medical students, housestaff, and faculty.
- Patients were interviewed using a structured format.
- Data collected via multiple-choice questionnaires, open comments, and interviews.
Main Results:
- 85% of patients favored bedside discussions, while 95% of students and housestaff preferred discussing cases privately.
- Faculty were divided, with younger staff favoring non-bedside discussions.
- Patients opposed hallway rounds; most desired 1-2 hour rounds, but learners favored shorter durations and brief case presentations.
Conclusions:
- Bedside rounds are undervalued by learners and junior faculty but appreciated by patients.
- Improving bedside rounds requires faculty to assess educational needs and ensure brevity and respect.
- Enhancing bedside rounds can improve diagnostic skills and the art of medicine.