Some student doctors are claiming informed patient consent flies out the window in order to save time in hospitals.

New research has revealed some Auckland University student doctors are performing sensitive examinations - without patients knowing they're still in training.

It's published in today's New Zealand Medical Journal.

Auckland University researcher Phillipa Malpas told Tim Wilson hospitals are busy environments.

"There are time pressures, patients are coming in ill and injured and often distressed and that's not an excuse not to do it but I think it adds an element to this environment."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PHILLIPA MALPAS SPEAKS WITH TIM WILSON