Patients' Perceptions of Residents Involved in Their Care in a Community General Surgery Practice.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Patient Care

Background:

• Resident involvement in general surgery is common in academic settings.
• Community hospitals also involve residents in patient care.
• Limited data exists on patient perceptions of resident involvement in community general surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient perceptions of resident involvement in general surgery care within a community hospital setting.
• To understand patient willingness and comfort levels with surgical residents participating in their care.

Main Methods:

• A 26-question survey was administered to patients in a community hospital setting.
• The questionnaire assessed patient willingness and understanding regarding resident involvement.
• Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for the study.

Main Results:

• 67.3% of patients were willing to have residents involved in their care.
• Key reasons for willingness included educating future surgeons and positive past experiences.
• 58% of patients were comfortable with residents participating in surgery or procedures.

Conclusions:

• Patients demonstrate receptiveness to general surgery residents' participation in community care.
• Findings suggest community practices may be more inclined to involve residents.
• Positive patient perceptions can facilitate resident training in community settings.