[2026-08-05] Patients’ Attitudes Toward the Practice of Fourth-Year Medical Students in Longitudinal Ambulatory Experience I Course

Abstract

Background: Patient involvement is fundamental to undergraduate medical education, particularly in ambulatory care settings. Understanding patients' attitudes toward medical student participation is essential for maintaining patient-centered care.

Objectives: To assess patients’ attitudes toward fourth-year medical students’ practice in the Longitudinal Ambulatory Experience I course and to identify factors associated with these attitudes.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered paper-based questionnaires among 144 patients and relatives/guardians attending 3 outpatient clinics at Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital, Thailand, in March 2025. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation were used. Subgroup comparisons across participant characteristics were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Patients reported high levels of positive attitudes. The highest-rated aspects were understanding the educational role of medical students, respectful behavior, appropriate attire, and effective communication. The attitude questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach  = 0.941). No significant associations were found between attitude scores and age, education level, or monthly income. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in subgroup analyses based on other participant characteristics, including gender, religion, payment method, previous hospital visit experience, previous experience with medical students, and clinic type (all P > .05).

Conclusions: Patients and relatives/guardians generally had positive attitudes toward medical student involvement in ambulatory education. Supervised participation of medical students in outpatient care appears acceptable to patients and supports the continuation of patient-centered clinical teaching.