Differences between students and physicians in their entitlement towards procedural skills education--a needs assessment of skills training in internal medicine.

Objective: Procedural skills education has a high priority for medical students. However, it is not clear what kind of skills they consider important and whether their perception differs from the physicians' view.

Methods: We conducted a survey on 26 skills in internal medicine among medical students and physicians. Ninety-five fourth year and 62 final year students along with 67 physicians working in medical departments participated in the survey. A similar but smaller survey was completed earlier before the implementation of a skills training at the faculty.

Results: Students generally preferred technically complex skills while, in contrast, physicians found "bed-side-skills" more important. The result was independent of the students' participation in the skills training or of the physicians' experience. A similar result was achieved in the smaller survey before the implementation of the skills training.

Conclusion: Students and physicians significantly differ in their entitlement towards procedural skills education. This should be considered when educational strategies are being discussed.