Why parents and children consent to become involved in medical student teaching

Abstract

Aim Clinical experience in paediatrics is essential for medical undergraduates. This is the first study to examine why children of different ages admitted acutely to hospital and their parents agree to become involved in medical student teaching. We wanted to establish whether they considered they needed to give consent before seeing medical students, whether this was routinely sought and what influenced their decisions. Method Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews of parents and children. Results Questionnaires were completed by 105 parents of children less than six years old and 34 children between 10 and 15 years old and their parents. Interviews were conducted on 32 children between the ages of 6 and 10 years and their parents. Most parents and children, consider they have a responsibility to teaching but must always be asked for consent. They were motivated by altruism but fear of emotional distress or pain can lead them to refuse. Younger children may not be able to give reasons for not wanting to see a medical student but sometimes have firm views which must be respected. Having seen a medical student previously did influence children or parents opinions. Most children who have seen a medical student were prepared to see students again. Conclusion Medical students can be reassured that parents and children admittedly acutely to a children’s hospital have a positive attitude to student involvement, are prepared to help them learn clinical skills, but consent must always be obtained and the child’s perspective always considered.