This comment article examines the evaluation of expert patients - individuals with personal health condition experiences - on their involvement in early years medical education. Recently, the amount of early clinical exposure provided by UK medical schools has fallen, with medical education institutions urged to consider alternative ways, such as expert patients to impart this experience to early years medical students. The purpose of incorporating expert patients' feedback is to optimise their involvement by addressing their opinions on session formats, accessibility, and clarity, thereby enhancing the learning experience for both students and patients. This involvement benefits patients by boosting their self - confidence, satisfaction, and understanding of their conditions, while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system. For medical students, it enhances communication skills, empathy, and understanding of patient perspectives. Co - created by expert patients from the Silver Lining Brain Injury Charity and academics from Aston Medical School, the article presents feedback aimed at refining Expert Patient (EP) sessions. It also addresses challenges like inconsistent terminology and lack of standardised assessments and calls for institution - wide programs that integrate patient perspectives throughout medical education. The article emphasises the need for ongoing collaboration to ensure that patient voices shape educational experiences, thereby enhancing person - centered care and improving healthcare outcomes.
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This comment article examines the evaluation of expert patients - individuals with personal health condition experiences - on their involvement in early years medical education. Recently, the amount of early clinical exposure provided by UK medical schools has fallen, with medical education institutions urged...
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