Unheard Voices: A Qualitative Study of Resident Perspectives on Remediation

Remediation is an important component of residency training that ensures residents are progressing toward competency and unsupervised practice. There is literature describing educators' attitudes about remediation; however, little is known about residents' perspectives regarding peers who are struggling and remediation. Understanding this perspective is critical to supporting struggling residents and developing successful remediation programs.

The objective of this study was to describe residents' perspectives on peers who are struggling and remediation processes within graduate medical education programs.

In 2015, we conducted focus groups of residents in a multi-institutional exploratory qualitative study designed to investigate resident perspectives on remediation. Focus groups included questions on identification of residents who are struggling, reasons residents face difficulty in training, attitudes toward remediation, and understanding of the remediation process. Using conventional content analysis, we analyzed the focus group data to discover common themes.

Eight focus groups were performed at 3 geographically distinct institutions. A total of 68 residents participated, representing 12 distinct medical specialties. Four major themes emerged from the participants' discussion: lack of transparency, negative stigma, overwhelming emotions, and a need for change.

Resident perspectives on remediation are affected by communication, culture, and emotions. The resident participants called for change, seeking greater understanding and transparency about what it means to struggle and the process of remediation. The residents also believed that remediation can be embraced and normalized.