Long-Term Outcomes of a Simulation-Based Remediation for Residents and Faculty With Unprofessional Behavior

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professionalism in Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited research exists on remediating unprofessional behavior in medical trainees and faculty.
• No studies have evaluated the long-term effectiveness of such remediation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and assess a simulation-based personalized remediation program for unprofessional conduct among residents and faculty.
• To gather feedback from participants and their supervisors on the program's impact.

Main Methods:

• Medical residents and faculty referred for unprofessional behaviors (e.g., aggression, poor social cues) participated in simulation scenarios.
• Participants engaged in video review, guided self-reflection, and iterative skill practice.
• Qualitative interviews were conducted 2-4 years post-intervention with participants and supervisors.

Main Results:

• 19 supervisors (79%) reported no recurrence of unprofessional behavior 2-4 years after the intervention.
• Participants identified strategies to mitigate unprofessional conduct.
• Both participants and supervisors noted sustained improvements in professional interactions.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based remediation, incorporating personalized feedback and practice, fosters lasting positive behavioral changes.
• This approach is effective for addressing and sustaining improvements in professional behavior among medical professionals.