Patient’s Perspective on Medical Student Involvement in Clinical Care- A Multi-Centered Cross-sectional Study Comparing Public and Private sector Hospitals.
Keywords:
Medical Education, Patient Satisfaction, Public Sector, Private Sector, Physician-Patient Relations, Medical Students.Abstract
Background:
Bed side teaching is cornerstone of medical education, fostering clinical competence and professional development. However, patient perceptions of medical student involvement and differences between public and private sector experiences remain underexplored.
Objectives:
To assess patient perspectives on the involvement of medical students in clinical care and to compare these perceptions between public and private sector hospitals.
Methodology:
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across selected public and private hospitals. Patients admitted to medical wards were surveyed using a structured questionnaire assessing their awareness, comfort, and consent regarding medical student participation. Comparative analysis was performed between responses from both sectors.
Results:
Out of 720 patients approached, 612 completed the survey (response rate :85%). In public hospitals, 68% pf patients reported awareness of medical student involvement, compared to 82% in private hospitals. Comfort level were significantly higher in private sector patients (74%) than in public sector (56%) (p<0.01). Only 40% of public hospital patients recalled being asked for consent, versus 66% in private settings. Patients who were informed and consented demonstrated higher comfort and satisfaction with care.
Conclusion:
Patient comfort and satisfaction with medical student involvement are influenced by effective communication and informed consent, which were more frequently observed in private sector hospitals. Standardizing consent practices and enhancing student-patient communication may improve educational experiences and patient care outcomes in both settings.
