Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: August | Volume: 8 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 246-253
Patients’ Attitudes to the Presence of Medical Students during Consultation in Primary Health Care in Bahrain
Dr. Hussain Al Tajer1, Dr. Mohamed Merza1, Dr. Mohamed Tarada1, Dr. Adel Salman Al Sayyad2
1Family physician, MOH, Kingdom of Bahrain
2Associate Professor of family and community Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain
Corresponding Author: Dr. Adel Salman Al Sayyad
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was conducted to determine patients’ attitudes to the presence of medical students during consultation in primary health care settings.
Method: A convenience sampling of 200 patients attending four health centres was selected from two regions; region one -Muharraq- and region four -the Capital. Patients completed a questionnaire in the waiting area.
Results: 67% of the participants were males, and the majority was Bahrainis. (45%) of the subjects obtained a university certificates or have higher degrees. Generally, the results demonstrate that patients are positive towards medical student presence and participation during consultations. 94.5% (n=189) of participants have willingness to medical student involvement during their consultation. Yet, 67.5% would disallow the presence of medical students if they have sexual problems and 63 % if they have internal examination like pap smears, piles. The non-teaching health clinic participants' rejection was more than teaching clinics. At least 64% of participants showed interest to know the gender of the medical student prior to students' presence and insisted for taking their permissions for a student's attendance.
Conclusion: This study shows that patients have positive attitudes to medical students' involvement in primary health care and felt that the students’ involvement is a necessity for their training. Most patients agreed to allow students to read information and discuss their medical conditions with the trainer doctor, yet, they felt it is important to obtain their permission a head of time.
Key words: Attitudes, Presence, Medical Students, Consultation, Primary Health Care, Bahrain.