Obstetrics and gynecology patients’ perceptions about bedside teaching at a Saudi teaching hospital

Abstract

Bedside teaching (BST) is a crucial component of medical education. It entails the interaction of students with patients in outpatient clinics and inpatient wards under the supervision of their tutors in order to improve the clinical skills of the students and, ultimately, patient outcomes. This teaching relies heavily on patients’ willingness and cooperation. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) patients regarding the presence and participation of medical students in BST. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among OB/GYN patients at the outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) in Al-Khobar from January 1 to April 30, 2023. Data were collected online through the Google Drive survey tool using a validated and pilot tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 26.0. Chi-squared test was employed to test for association between two categorical variables. Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine variables associated with positive attitudes. A total of 507 patients completed online questionnaire. A highly positive patients’ attitude was observed toward the presence and participation of medical students during BST with a mean score of 81.8 ± 10.4. The acceptance rates were higher for female students compared to male students (91.9% vs 61.7%) and for senior doctors compared to junior doctors (89.9% vs 58.9%). Patients who came to the outpatient clinics were also more likely to accept students’ presence than those who went to hospital wards. Age, marital status, and previous clinic visits were positively associated with the acceptance level of the presence and involvement of medical students in BST without a significant difference. In general, patients had a good perception of medical students’ engagement in their care and that the gender of the medical students/doctors and clinical setting could affect this perception. Raising patients’ awareness of their valuable role in male medical students’ and doctors’ education should be raised, as this will increase their acceptance during BST.