OBJECTIVE: To know mothers preception about the ideal consultation and the care provided to their children by medical students of the seventh semester at the pediatric outpatient unit of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. METHOD: Qualitative research case-study type, using in depth semi-structured interviews with twelve mothers whose children had been attended at the pediatric outpatient unit of the UFSC's University Hospital by medical students of the seventh semester. RESULTS: Mothers were satisfied with the care provided by the students. The aspects mainly contributing to this satisfaction were the doctor-patient relationship - interest, patience and affection - the clear and detailed explications given in an understandable language and the meticulous physical examination. The main disadvantages mentioned were the excessively long waiting time and the presence of too much students during the consultation. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The satisfaction of the mothers with the provided care was primarily due to the doctor-patient relationship, besides and to the meticulous physical examination. One should consider reducing the number of students present during the consultations.
Physician-Patient Relationship; Qualitative Research; Mothers; Child Care; Ambulatory Care; Students; Education, Medical
