What Happens to Patients Who Teach?

Abstract

This study provides evidence that patient-teachers appear to benefit from teaching despite lowered health status. Similar to other studies, instructors' personal relationships with their respective physicians were positively influenced.

Patients as educators: the challenges and benefits of sharing experiences with students

“…Patient‐educators can find the experience of working with students rewarding and even therapeutic 2–4 . The reported benefits to patient‐educators include: raised self‐esteem and empowerment; new insights into their issues; a better understanding of the patient–doctor relationship; companionship; and improved quality of life 1,5,6 …”

Performance-related stress symptoms in simulated patients

“…However, SPs have occasionally mentioned to SP trainers that their roles were heavy and that they sometimes experienced symptoms due to their performances as SPs. Few studies have focused on the possible effects that simulating a patient role may have on a person 8–13 . McNaughton et al .…”

“…reported that SPs had a better understanding of medical history taking and physical examination, showed improved communication with health care professionals and were more comfortable with health care visits, especially regarding physical examination 12 . Gecht found improved interaction with health care professionals in patient‐instructors 13 …”

“…Few studies have focused on the possible effects that simulating a patient role may have on a person. [8][9][10][11][12][13] McNaughton et al used focus groups to explore the impact on SPs of performing highly affective psychiatric roles. 8 The majority of the SPs mentioned negative effects, consisting predominantly of stress symptoms like exhaustion, irritability, sleeping problems and physical complaints.…”

The impact on patients and parents of their involvement in the training of healthcare professionals

“…Gecht (2000) found that service users with chronic progressive conditions had an increased awareness of the progression of their disease and its impact on their lives. Walters et al (2003) found that patients might react differently depending on the degree of their own illness.…”