Students with an autonomous role in hospital care – patients perceptions

AbstractBackground: There have been calls to enhance clinical education by strengthening supported active participation (SAP) of medical students in patient care. This study examines perceived quality of care when final-year medical students are integrated in hospital ward teams with an autonomous relationship toward their patients.Methods: We established three clinical education wards (CEWs) where final-year medical students were acting as “physician under supervision”. A questionnaire-based mixed-method study of discharged patients was completed in 2009–15 using the Picker Inpatient Questionnaire complemented by specific questions on the impact of SAP. Results were compared with matched pairs of the same clinical specialty from the same hospital (CG1) and from nationwide hospitals (CG2). Patients free-text feedback about their hospital stay was qualitatively evaluated.Results: Of 1136 patients surveyed, 528 (46.2%) returned the questionnaire. The CEWs were highly recommended, with good overall quality o...