Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:38
Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Physical Examination Practices of Internal Medicine Residents: A Pilot Study
Jonathan Zaid1, Jason Ojeda1, Elizabeth Boyle1
1Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
Cureus
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Internal Medicine residents often perform physical exams on clothed patients, questioning training adequacy. Improved clinical oversight and bedside instruction are crucial for enhancing residents' physical examination skills.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Internal Medicine Training
- Clinical Skills Assessment
Background:
- Foundational studies indicate Internal Medicine (IM) residency programs often undervalue physical examination skills.
- Direct clinical oversight during resident physical examinations is infrequently provided, leading to consequential deficiencies.
- Existing literature reveals worrisome gaps in the accuracy and completeness of IM residents' physical examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey Internal Medicine residents regarding their physical examination practices.
- To assess residents' perceptions of their own abilities and the adequacy of their training.
- To identify areas for improvement in physical examination training within IM residency programs.
Main Methods:
- A single-institution, exploratory, survey-based pilot study was conducted.
- Internal Medicine residents were queried on their examination techniques and training experiences.
- Resident opinions on skill adequacy and confidence levels were collected.
Main Results:
- Nearly all residents (98.3%) examined fully clothed patients; 42.1% deemed this adequate.
- Only 51.7% reported routine return of supervising physicians to the examination room.
- Nearly 90% of residents rarely received bedside instruction, and only 58.2% felt confident in their skills.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings highlight significant deficiencies in IM residents' physical examination practices and training.
- The study underscores the need for enhanced clinical oversight and bedside teaching.
- Further collaborations are recommended to comprehensively assess and improve IM residents' clinical training.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Data Collection III
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
01:23Assessment of Respiration
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...