title: An assessment of student satisfaction with peer teaching of clinical communication skills.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peer teaching is now used in medical education with its value increasingly being recognised. It is not yet established whether students differ in their satisfaction with teaching by peer-teachers compared to those taught by academic or clinical staff. This study aimed to establish satisfaction with communication skills teaching between these three teaching groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Students participated in a role-play practical facilitated either by clinicians, peer-teachers or non-clinical staff. A questionnaire was administered to first-year medical students after participating in a communication skills role-play session asking students to evaluate their satisfaction with the session. Data were analysed in SPSS 20.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and ninety eight students out of 239 (83%) responded. Students were highly satisfied with the teaching session with no difference in satisfaction scores found between those sessions taught by peers, clinical and non-clinical staff members. 158 (80%) considered the session useful and 139 (69%) strongly agreed tutors facilitated their development. There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores based on tutor background.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Satisfaction is as high when tutored by peer-teachers compared to clinicians or non-clinical staff. Constructive feedback is welcomed from a range of personnel. Final-year students could play an increasing role in the teaching of pre-clinical medical students.
authors.forename: Jonathan K A
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Dalleywater
authors.affiliation: Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK. v.tischler@arts.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tischler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010379:Peer Group; D012381:Role Playing; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult