How do patients perceive resident participation in facial cosmetic treatment?

The main objective of this study was to determine patient attitudes toward resident participation in their facial cosmetic treatment.

The study design was a cross-sectional study which consisted of an anonymous questionnaire regarding the patient's opinion of resident involvement in their care. Patients who presented to a single academic center seeking facial cosmetic care were surveyed over a period of 10 months. The primary outcome variables were degree of training, analysis of resident involvement impacting quality of care, and resident gender.

Fifty patients were surveyed. All participants agreed that they would be comfortable if a resident observed their consultation or treatment and 94% agreed they would be comfortable if a resident interviewed and examined before meeting with the surgeon (n = 47). When asked if they would prefer a resident to be far along in their training if they were involved in the surgical care, the majority, 68% (n = 34), agreed. Only 18% (n = 9) of the patients reported feeling a resident's involvement in their surgery may lower the quality of their care.

Patient perception of resident participation in their cosmetic treatment is favorable, but it appears patients do prefer that residents be well into their training years.