Bedside clinical teaching: Enhancing medical education through direct patient interaction

Abstract

Bedside clinical teaching offer learners the invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in the context of authentic clinical encounters. This article aims to explore the historical roots, contemporary practices and innovative methodologies of bedside clinical teaching, revealing its significance in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Medical education has had a paradigm shift from apprenticeships to simulations. Bedside teaching emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and communication skills, aligning with contemporary healthcare priorities and educational standards. Clinical relevance, skill development, professionalism, interdisciplinary collaboration, feedback and reflection are advantages of bedside teaching. However, time constraints, patient privacy, variable patient availability, hierarchy and power dynamics, limited generalizability are some of the challenges in bedside teaching. Despite these challenges, the enduring benefits of bedside teaching justify its continued prominence in medical curricula. By embracing innovative methodologies and adapting to evolving educational paradigms, bedside teaching will continue to shape competent, compassionate, and skilled healthcare providers for generations to come.