Training resident physicians toward improved patient safety

Residents in training represent both a problem and opportunity in promoting enhanced patients safety in acute care settings. Trainees do not bring the experience and knowledge of attending physicians to the bedside and have an increased risk for medical errors. Yet, the around-the-clock presence of residents in the hospital and their awareness of impediments to safer patient care present a potential for preventing error-related adverse events. Capturing this potential for improved patient safety requires a broadened training curriculum that focuses on patient safety.