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Is the Irish bedside best?

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Abstract

Background

The use of the bedside to teach the art of clinical medicine is controversial. Rising student numbers can limit patient availability. Studies examining inpatient attitudes to bedside teaching are few.

Aims

We examined inpatients’ attitudes to bedside teaching of undergraduate medical students.

Methods

The study was carried out in a 439-bed teaching hospital. A questionnaire, numerically scored (0–10), was prospectively administered to 102 consecutive patients involved in bedside teaching of undergraduate medical students.

Results

The results were available from 92 patients. Patients enjoyed the teaching process (mean score 9.13 ± 1.16) and benefited from a better understanding of their illness (7.11 ± 2.57). Patients appreciated their role in educating future doctors (mean score 9.52 ± 1.11) but demonstrated less confidence in their personal contribution to the teaching process (7.81 ± 1.89).

Conclusions

Inpatients are very willing participants in bedside teaching of undergraduate medical students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Education, Academic Centre, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland

    E. L. Callaly, M. Yusra, S. Sreenan & P. McCormack

Authors
  1. E. L. Callaly
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  2. M. Yusra
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  3. S. Sreenan
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  4. P. McCormack
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. L. Callaly.

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Callaly, E.L., Yusra, M., Sreenan, S. et al. Is the Irish bedside best?. Ir J Med Sci 179, 179–182 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0436-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0436-z

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