Informed Consent in Clinical Training: Perspectives from Medical Students and Faculty in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Moreira, CF (Author) Other; Costa-Santos, C (Author) Other; Moreira, BF (Author) Other; Nunes, R (Author) Other; Ivone Duarte (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Healthcare

Vol. 12 No. 2, article 253

Final page: 1818

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-016-ZF6

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12181818

Abstract (EN): The student-patient relationship represents the cornerstone of medical education, shaping future doctors' knowledge, skills and attitudes. While most patients allow student involvement in their care, some may express discomfort. Thus, obtaining explicit consent is essential to respect patients' right of autonomy. This study mainly aims to assess the practical application of informed consent by medical students and teachers regarding students' presence and participation in patients' care. An observational cross-sectional study was performed, and an online questionnaire was given to students and teachers at a single medical school, via institutional email. The study included 289 participants, namely 232 students and 57 teachers. While 81% of teachers reported always asking the patient's consent for students' presence, only 28% of students claimed this to be the case. Despite challenges like overcrowding and limited time, involving students in healthcare benefits both students and patients. Moreover, medical ethics education is crucial to foster compassionate care and promote ethical reasoning. The disparities found between teachers' practices and students' perspectives highlight the need to intervene and provide them with an adequate education on ethical values in clinical practice. Strategic interventions at institutional levels are required for a simultaneous high quality of patient care and clinical training.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11