Patient Perspectives on Medical Trainee Involvement in the Anesthesia-Related Procedural Skill Attainment: A...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Patient preferences regarding trainee involvement in medical procedures are crucial for informed consent and trust.
• Understanding patient perceptions of trainee experience levels can optimize training protocols.
• Anesthesia procedures, including intubations and line placements, often involve trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient willingness to have trainees participate in anesthesia-related procedures.
• To determine patient preferences for trainee experience (number of procedure repetitions) before involvement.
• To evaluate patient understanding of different trainee levels (medical student, resident, fellow, attending).

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study surveyed 100 participants at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital.
• Participants received education on anesthesia procedures and trainee roles.
• Questionnaires assessed patient preferences for trainee involvement and understanding of training levels.

Main Results:

• 87% of participants agreed to trainee involvement in their care.
• Many preferred trainees to have 5-10 procedure repetitions prior.
• 30% did not want trainees involved in epidural procedures; many desired explanations of trainee roles.

Conclusions:

• Patients are generally accepting of trainee involvement in anesthesia procedures, often with fewer than 10 repetitions.
• There is a significant lack of patient understanding regarding the distinctions between different levels of medical trainees.
• Clear communication about trainee titles and experience is recommended to enhance patient clarity and trust.