What will I get out of being a Volunteer Patient?
VPs have told us how much they enjoy interacting with young people and sharing their knowledge with them. They gain a sense of satisfaction from contributing to the medical training of the next generation of doctors and from knowing that they are giving something back to the medical community. VPs find it an interesting and worthwhile way to spend a morning or afternoon.
What is involved?
Volunteer Patients (VPs) are highly valued individuals who meet with small groups of medical students in an informal setting in order to enhance the quality of medical training. As a VP living with a condition, you are the expert; you know what the symptoms feel like and how your condition affects your life. Sharing this personal experience with medical students gives them an insight into medical conditions that they could not hope to gain from textbooks or lectures.
If you are attending a session at one of the Community Hospitals, you will be met by a representative of the medical school (a doctor, nurse or student ambassador) who will introduce you to a group of approximately 5-6 medical students. The doctor or nurse will explain how the session will run and answer any questions you may have.
The session will take place in a quiet and private teaching area. Most of the discussion will involve your medical history, including any symptoms you may have had, treatments, side-effects and so on. We would also like our students to explore your own perspective about your condition and the impact it has had on your life. Midway through the session there will be a comfort break and the session will resume with another small group of students.
If you are at the School of Medicine, you will be met by the Volunteer Patient Coordinator or student ambassador who will take you to the teaching area. The tutors will then introduce you to small groups of first year students who will take a medical history from you in the presence of the tutor.
The VP is expected to respond to students' questions rather than to lead the conversation. Students will be learning how to take full medical histories and to draw out from you the information that will help them to understand better your condition.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place at NHS Fife community hospitals in St Andrews, Glenrothes, Cameron (Windygates) and Buckhaven (Randolph Wemyss). You may wish to participate at the venue that is closest to your home, or you may be willing to travel to whichever site where VPs are most needed (travel expenses will be reimbursed). Some sessions will also take place at the School of Medicine, North Haugh, St Andrews.
How long is each session?
Sessions at the community hospitals are approximately 3 hours with a break midway. The sessions at the School of Medicine are approximately 2 hours long.
How many times will I need to take part?
There is no obligation to take part in a certain number of sessions. We would expect that the minimum number of sessions will be two per year but you may do more or fewer if you wish. We ask you to indicate the session dates for which you are available, and invite VPs to sessions according to availability, type of condition and preferred site.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
You do not need to prepare anything specifically but it is helpful if you bring along a list of your medications or a repeat prescription printout. It is perfectly understandable if you are unsure about some aspects of your condition or treatment. If, for example, you use a medical device that might be of interest to students, feel free to bring that along with you.
How will I know where to go when I am invited to attend a session?
Once we have received your completed Registration form, we shall be in touch with you to confirm your preferred dates and location. We will then offer you some dates and let you know where to go and the contact name of the tutor at the community hospital. We will contact you again a few days before the session to confirm arrangements with you.
What do I do if I am unable to attend?
If you find you are unable to attend a session for which you have confirmed attendance, please contact Barbara Fotheringham, Volunteer Patient Coordinator, on 01334 461891 or email vpcoordinator@st-andrews.ac.uk
Will I be given medical advice?
Although sessions are facilitated by medical staff, there will not be any medical advice or treatment offered. It is important that you contact your own GP if you have any new symptoms or questions.
How is confidentiality maintained?
All sessions take place in a private area. Students are specifically told never to record any identifiable patient details. We discourage them from taking notes during sessions. All our students sign up to and adhere to a professional code of conduct which guarantees the same standards of courtesy and confidentiality that you expect from any medical professional.
Will I be examined physically?
The main emphasis of these sessions will be on taking medical history and discussion of your condition. On occasion and only with your agreement, it may be appropriate for students to practise simple techniques such as recording your pulse or blood pressure, or doing an abdominal examination. However, this is not a requirement of being a VP, and you should not feel any obligation whatsoever to have a physical examination should you prefer not to.
How do I arrange travel?
You are free to make travel arrangements at your own convenience. If you require a taxi, we will arrange this for you. We will confirm parking and directions with you prior to each session.
How do I claim expenses?
To claim expenses, complete an External Claim Form that will be sent to you once you have completed your sessions at the community hospitals or School of Medicine for the journeys you have undertaken. Mileage is paid at 45p per mile via BACS Transfer. If you have any other travel claims, eg parking or bus fare, an original receipt must be attached to the claim.
