Patients’ attitude toward the presence of students in teaching wards at teaching hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences at summer of 2000

Introduction. One of the major problems in clinical teaching wards is the relationship between students and patients of these wards. We often look that patients refuse of admission in these wards in spite of presence of skilled physicians and better instruments. The aim of the study is survey of attitude of bed rid patients in teaching wards about miscellaneous aspects of presence of students in these wards. Methods. The study was a cross sectional survey done in August 2000 at 12 wards of four teaching hospitals of Tabriz city by a questionnaire which was asked from all patients the same day of hospitalization (at pediatrics ward with asking of patients accomplice). Results. Ninety percent (90%) of patients were satisfied from participation of students in their care and cure. 82% of patients expressed that the presence of students increased their medical information about their disorder and self care. 28% of patients were unsatisfied from frequent observation and examination by students and 65.5% knew it was the cause of elongation of visits, on the other hand 89% of patients had this idea that together, presence of physician and student in ward caused the increased precision of diagnosis and treatment. Finally 57.5% said scientific discussion during their visit, warned about their disorder. Conclusion. The findings showed that in spite of elongation of examinations, patients in teaching wards often evaluated the presence of students as a benefit and we hope to use this chance with respect to other rights and expectations of patients.