Patients are becoming more important as teachers in medical training

doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7368.0/f

Patients are becoming more important as teachers in medical training

Rather than being passive participants in medical training, patients are assuming an increasingly active role in the educationof doctors. In their systematic review of literature since 1970,Wykurz and Kelly (p 818) show the diversity of roles and settingsin which patients teach medical students, doctors, and other patients.Patients' unique perspective as users of health services can enablelearners to gain new insights and understanding, which improvestheir medical practice. Some learners preferred to be taught bytrained patients rather than by doctors. With appropriate trainingand remuneration, patients can make a valuable contribution tomedicaleducation.