Residents' perceptions of their own professionalism and the professionalism of their learning environment

The competency of professionalism encompasses a range of behaviors in multiple domains. Residency programs are struggling to integrate and effectively assess professionalism. We report results from a survey assessing residents' perceptions of their professional competence and the professionalism of their learning environment.

A survey was developed to assess specific behaviors reflecting professionalism based on the conceptualizations of key accrediting bodies. Residents rated their ability to perform the behaviors and reported the frequency with which they observed their fellow residents failing to perform the behaviors. Eighty-five senior residents in emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery specialties completed the survey (response rate = 77%). Differences among domains (and among items within domains) were assessed. Correlations between perceived professionalism and the professionalism of the learning environment were described.

Cronbach alpha for professionalism competence was .93 and for professionalism in the learning environment it was .86. Residents reported feeling most competent in being accountable (mean score = 51.4%; F = 10.3, p<.001) and in demonstrating respect. Some residents reported having trouble being sensitive to patients (n = 5 to 23). Disrespectful behaviors were the most frequently witnessed professionalism lapse in the learning environment (mean = 41.1%; F = 8.1, p<.001). While serious lapses in professionalism were not witnessed with great frequency in the learning environment, instances of over-representing qualifications were reported. Problems in accountability in the learning environment were negatively associated with residents' perceived competence.

Residents reported being able to perform professionally most of the time, especially in terms of accountability and respect. However, disrespect was a feature of the learning environment for many residents and several serious lapses were witnessed by a small number of residents. Accountability in the learning environment may be an important indicator of or influence on residents' professionalism.