Perceptions of Call by Canadian Radiology Residents: A National Survey.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology Residency Training
• Physician Wellness

Background:

• Radiology residency call presents unique challenges for resident development and decision-making.
• Increasing imaging volumes necessitate an understanding of evolving call structures.
• There is a lack of data on the variability of resident call structures in Canadian radiology programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Canadian radiology residents' perceptions of their call experiences.
• To identify factors influencing resident satisfaction and well-being during call shifts.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, bilingual survey was distributed to Canadian radiology residents.
• Data collected included resident demographics, sleep patterns, supervision, physician interactions, and wellness.
• The survey was administered via the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) and its Resident and Fellow Section (RFS).

Main Results:

• 112 residents responded, reporting high call volumes, particularly for junior residents (PGY-2).
• Nearly half of residents reported no sleep during call, with most experiencing insufficient sleep.
• Interactions with referring physicians were frequently rated as unsatisfactory, and lower call satisfaction correlated with higher call volume and reduced sleep.

Conclusions:

• Canadian radiology residents experience significant challenges including high call frequency, inadequate sleep, and difficult referring physician interactions.
• These factors negatively impact resident satisfaction and overall well-being.
• Optimizing call structures, enhancing supervision, and prioritizing resident wellness are essential recommendations.