Student's viewpoint. The response of patients to students observing general practice.

Medical courses in Australia currently are encouraging students to observe general practice by way of short periods of attachment. The figures indicate that a significant proportion of the patients in the practice are going to be concerned about this, even though the exposure is very necessary. This article deals with the way that the 'three man consultation' can be fashioned in order to minimize discomfort of the patient, or unnecessary inhibition of the learning process for the student.