Patient perception of care received by students at the Jackson Free Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Little has been done to examine the role of student-run free clinics in patient care. In this study we examine patient perceptions of care provided by medical students in comparison to that provided by licensed physicians. Care providers were judged on perceived exam thoroughness, trust, and overall patient satisfaction.

METHODS: Patients were asked to complete a 37 question survey after being examined by either medical students or by a physician.

RESULTS: Differences between physicians and students were not observed for perceived thoroughness, trust, or overall satisfaction scores. Patients who reported never being married gave lower satisfaction scores (p = 0.024); however, all patients reported being satisfied with their care.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients are satisfied with the care they received at the Jackson Free Clinic regardless of the provider's level of training. Patients did not report students to be less thorough in their exams than physicians. Furthermore, patients reported equal trust in students and physicians.