Effect of residency duty-hour limits: Views of key clinical faculty

Darcy A. Reed, Rachel B. Levine, Redonda G. Miller, Bimal H. Ashar, Eric B. Bass, Tasha N. Rice, Joseph Cofrancesco

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: To determine the effect of duty-hour limitations, it is important to consider the views of faculty who have the most contact with residents. Method: We conducted a national survey of key clinical faculty (KCF) at 39 internal medicine residency programs affiliated with US medical schools selected by random sample stratified by federal research funding and program size to elicit their views on the effect of duty-hour limitations on residents' patient care, education, professionalism, and well-being and on faculty workload and satisfaction. Results: Of 154 KCF surveyed, 111 (72%) responded. The KCF reported worsening in residents' continuity of care (87%) and the physician-patient relationship (75%). Faculty believed that residents' education (66%) and professionalism, including accountability to patients (73%) and ability to place patient needs above self-interests (57%), worsened, yet 50% thought residents' well-being improved. The KCF reported spending more time providing inpatient services (47%). Faculty noted decreased satisfaction with teaching (56%), ability to develop relationships with residents (40%), and overall career satisfaction (31%). In multivariate analysis, KCF with 5 years of teaching experience or more were more likely to perceive a negative effect of duty hours on residents' education (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-7.00). Conclusions: Key clinical faculty believe that duty-hour limitations have adversely affected important aspects of residents' patient care, education, and professionalism, as well as faculty workload and satisfaction. Residency programs should continue to look for ways to optimize experiences for residents and faculty within the confines of the duty-hour requirements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1487-1492
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of internal medicine
Volume167
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

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