KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF REMEDIATION AMONG TRAINEES IN GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Physician Training

Background:

• Remediation is a universal challenge in medical training, with many residents requiring it to improve performance.
• Existing literature focuses on the importance, processes, and identification of residents needing remediation.
• Trainee attitudes and perceptions toward remediation remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess medical trainees' knowledge of remediation processes.
• To evaluate trainees' attitudes and perceptions toward remediation.
• To test the hypothesis that trainees possess limited knowledge and negative views of remediation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey was administered to graduate medical education trainees at a single institution.
• The survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding remediation.
• Response rate was 12.1% (132/1095 trainees).

Main Results:

• 7.6% of respondents were unfamiliar with the term "remediation."
• Trainee knowledge of remediation processes was variable, with overwhelmingly negative attitudes reported.
• High percentages of trainees felt shame (73.5%), disadvantaged (53.8%), and viewed "remediation" negatively (91.7%).
• Negative reactions included disappointment, anxiety, embarrassment, and self-doubt.

Conclusions:

• Medical trainees demonstrate limited understanding and negative perceptions of remediation.
• Trainees suggested that using more positive terminology and involving them in individualized remediation plan creation could improve attitudes.
• Reframing remediation and enhancing resident involvement are potential strategies to foster more positive perceptions.