Residency orientation: what we present and its effect on our residents

This study describes the content of family practice residency orientation programs, presents data about resident satisfaction with orientation, and determines if residents feel prepared for residency duties.

We surveyed program directors and first-year residents at 100 family practice residency programs. We used questionnaires to collect data about orientation activities; program demographics; and resident characteristics, satisfaction, and preparation.

Sixty-nine percent of directors and 68% of their residents responded. The activity most frequently presented was a social event with faculty, while the least frequently presented was an assessment of cognitive knowledge. Even though residents desire orientation to clinical programs, and directors wish to promote group cohesion, the greatest number of orientation activities were presented to introduce hospital services and administration. Eighty-seven percent of residents were at least "somewhat satisfied," and 83% felt at least "somewhat prepared" for clinical duties after completing orientations. Residents from military programs were more likely not to be satisfied with their orientations. Extreme satisfaction was associated with residents in community-based programs. Being totally prepared was associated with having had prior graduate medical education.

While residents had previously reported having clinical needs from an orientation, the most frequently reported activities were nonclinical. Most residents reported having been satisfied with their orientations and having felt prepared for their new duties. Directors should consider increasing the clinical content of their orientations, including an assessment of residents' knowledge and clinical skills.