Patients' views and feelings on the community-based teaching of undergraduate medical students: a qualitative study

The 1993 directive Tomorrow's Doctors recommended an increase in community-based teaching. In response, many new programmes have been established focusing on the teaching of clinical skills to pairs or groups of students in general practice, when patients are asked to see the students in the practice or in their homes, specifically to assist with teaching. This differs from the traditional model of teaching primary care, when one student sits with the doctor while s/he consults. Although current research suggests that patients are happy for one student to be present during a consultation with their GP, little or nothing is known about their views of this new method of teaching basic clinical skills in the community. If the new community-based teaching programmes are to be sustainable, continuing support from the patients is necessary. Students have been taught clinical skills in the community at University College London Medical School for several years. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness and its popularity with students. However, to date, patients' views have not been explored.