Factors Affecting Resident Satisfaction in Continuity Clinic-a Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ambulatory Care
• Physician Training

Background:

• Increasing emphasis on ambulatory training requires improved resident experiences.
• Continuity clinic is a key component of physician residency education.
• Resident satisfaction is crucial for effective outpatient training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors influencing physician trainee satisfaction in outpatient ambulatory training.
• Identify key elements that enhance resident experience in continuity clinics.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of English language articles (1980-2016).
• Searched Medline, CINAHL, PSYCHinfo, and Cochrane Library.
• Included studies addressing resident satisfaction in ambulatory settings with reproducible interventions.

Main Results:

• 11 studies were included after reviewing 357 articles.
• Organizational structure (e.g., block schedules, teamwork) impacts resident-patient continuity.
• Dedicated faculty support is important for resident satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Clinic structures minimizing inpatient/outpatient conflict and enhancing continuity improve resident satisfaction.
• Dedicated outpatient faculty are associated with higher physician trainee satisfaction.
• Further research is needed to explore these associations.