Experiences of volunteer patients during undergraduate examinations: printed information can lead to greater satisfaction
Year: 1999
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Whilst most patients are happy to participate in medical examinations, previous studies have shown that some are dissatisfied with the information that they receive beforehand. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that patient satisfaction can be improved by the provision of written information. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients attending the final MBBS examination were sent written information about what to expect. The patients' experiences were assessed by means of an anonymous postal questionnaire 1 week after the examination. Their satisfaction with the level of information received beforehand was compared with that of an historical cohort who had received no written information. RESULTS: The patients had few complaints about their experience of participating in examinations and many enjoyed it. Only 5% of patients registered dissatisfaction with the level of information that was provided, compared with 18% in the previous study (P = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Written information led to a (near significant) improvement in patients satisfaction when compared to a previous cohort. We recommend that all patients attending for medical examinations should be provided with written information.
Source: Medical Education
Institutions: North Tyneside General Hospital, Newcastle University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1997307290