BEDSIDE LEARNING IN CLINICAL TRAINING;

LEARNERS’ PREFERENCES

Abstract

Objectives: To find out the learning preferences of clinical students for
bedside learning. Design: cross-sectional, descriptive. Methods: The study was done on medical students of the
clinical classes in different Medical Colleges in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Both male and female students were included in
the study. All students were given a questionnaire consisting of 5 questions regarding their preferences for bedside
learning. Open-ended comments were also invited. Results: A total of 227 students of clinical classes participated in
the study. Most preferred location for bedside learning was the ward (70%, N=158). Most preferred group size was 5
(62%, N=140). For duration of bedside learning session most learners preferred 2 hours (59%, N=134). The opinion
regarding the mode of case presentation was divided indecisively. Howevermost responders favored single presenter
(28.6%, N=65). The preferred frequency of bedside learning sessions was ‘daily’ (49.7%, N=106). Conclusions:
Learners in clinical classes prefer bedside teaching as a daily event. Their preferences indicate that the bedside learning
possesses a clinical relevance and offers contextual learning opportunity. Much remains to be learnt about the learners’
preferences regarding instruction method in bedside learning.