Reactions of psychiatric outpatients to teaching interviews

In an attempt to assess some of the reactions of psychiatric outpatients attending a teaching clinic, a group of patients who received a letter warning them of the possible presence of students were compared with a group who did not receive such a letter. The "letter" group were generally more satisfied with their interview and were less likely to say that they had consciously withheld information. Greater satisfaction was also expressed by patients over 35.When asked whether they preferred to see one student in private and then the psychiatrist with a small group of other students, or to have the whole interview conducted by the psychiatrist in front of the group, patients expressed a clear preference for the former choice. This former method may also allow more responsible and active participation by the students.