Medical Students' Attitudes Toward the Patient's Consent to Participate in Clinical Training

Introduction: Clinical education will be possible with involving patients in teaching-learning process. One of the patient’s legal and moral rights is patient's right to decide to participate in this process or not. This study aimed to examine medical students’ attitude toward patient's consent to participate in clinical training. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Isfahan University of medical science in 2011. Ninety students who were passing clinical courses in Al-Zahra hospital took part in study. Data collection was done using a researcher-made 12-item questionnaire. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: 55% were female and 45% were male, 58% were apprentices and 34% were interns. There was significant difference between mean attitude of apprentices and interns. Interns’ attitude was good but it was moderate for apprentices (p <0/05). Most students (81/3%) believed that patients should not be informed about students' ability level before examination. Conclusion: Despite a more positive interns’ attitude than apprentices, it is necessary for medical school and faculty members to prepare leaflets in this matter and emphasize on informed consent to improve students’ knowledge and attitudes.