Bedside teaching is a specialized form of small group
teaching that takes place in the presence of the patient.
Although it is known to enhance a student’s learning
experience and improve patient care, the use of this type
of teaching is unfortunately in steady decline1. As well
as in the hospital setting, bedside teaching skills can be
used elsewhere, such as long term care facilities and in
the office2. Bedside teaching is still valued by patients,
as well as students, residents and clinical teachers as a
very useful teaching method. Because of its value for
students/residents, patients and medical teachers,
obstacles to bedside teaching should be overcome.
Solutions vary from practical guidelines to using
residents and interns as bedside teachers3.
Bedside teaching is declining in the medical curriculum.