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Improving Student Acceptance in Outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics
Purpose: Determine if implementing personalized introductory cards increased patient acceptance of medical student participation in outpatient obstetric and gynecologic appointments.
Background: Previous studies examined patient perceptions of medical students, factors influencing acceptance or rejection of medical students in their care, and methods of obtaining patient permission for student involvement. No research investigating methods for improving student acceptance were identified.
Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial of third-year medical students on their OBGYN clerkship at MUSC utilized generic cards containing an opt-out statement and personalized cards with the student’s picture, individualized information, and the opt-out statement. Clerkship blocks were randomized to generic or personalized cards. Patient responses were recorded on tally cards and collected at the end of each block. A secondary analysis examined whether the clinic location, appointment type, student or provider gender, perceived student or provider race, or provider level of training yielded a difference in acceptance. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test and a logistic regression.
Results: 2,823 appointments involving 122 students were examined; 1,123 visits employed personalized cards and 1,700 used the generic card. Analysis of both groups for the primary outcome revealed no difference in acceptance rates between the cards [unadjusted odds ratio 1.0 (95% CI 0.79-1.27)]. Multivariate analysis of the secondary outcomes demonstrated decreased acceptance of students in gynecology appointments, male medical students regardless of visit type, and any student working with female providers.
Discussions: Student acceptance during outpatient visits was not improved with personalized introductory cards compared to generic statements and thus may not be worth administrative burden.
Topics:
CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Patient Care, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, UME, Quality & Safety, General Ob-Gyn,
