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Evaluation of intern performance by medical inpatients
D A Matthews1, W H Sledge, P B Lieberman
1University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington.
The American Journal of Medicine
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Patients reported high satisfaction with intern physicians, valuing both clinical and interpersonal skills. Key attributes included concern, communication, and trust, influencing the physician-patient relationship.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Patient Experience
- Physician Performance Evaluation
Background:
- Patient perspective is vital for assessing physician performance.
- Intern physicians (postgraduate year 1 residents) undergo critical training periods.
- Understanding patient satisfaction drivers is key to improving healthcare quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient satisfaction with intern physicians.
- To identify key attributes patients value in intern performance.
- To explore demographic factors influencing patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A validated questionnaire based on patient comments was used.
- 212 inpatients at two university hospitals evaluated 27 interns.
- Data analysis focused on satisfaction levels and attribute importance.
Main Results:
- Patients expressed general high satisfaction with intern performance.
- Clinical and interpersonal skills were equally valued.
- Important attributes included personal concern, communication, trust, and listening skills.
- Older and white patients reported higher satisfaction; college-educated, employed, and male patients reported lower satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Patient-centered care, emphasizing communication and empathy, is crucial for intern development.
- Demographic factors can influence patient perceptions of physician performance.
- Findings offer insights for medical education and enhancing the physician-patient relationship.