Personal characteristics of residents may predict competency improvement

Objectives/Hypothesis: We hypothesized that personal characteristics of residents may affect how well competency is attained in a surgical residency. To this end, we examined two concepts of global trait emotional intelligence and learner autonomy profile and their factor relationship with competency outcomes in a residency program in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Study Design: A cohort study prospectively gathered competency change scores for 1 year and retrospectively analyzed the factor associations. Methods: We measured two personal characteristics using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form and Learner Autonomy Profile-Short Form between 2013 and 2014 in a tertiary otolaryngology–head and neck residency program. We prospectively examined faculty-rated resident competency scores monitored in the same time period and correlated the personal attributes with cumulative competency improvement scores. Statistical analyses included factor correlations and univariate regression. Results: With a response rate of 64% (N = 16/25), we identified two statically significant predictors of competency improvement outcome attained by the end of the year. Regression analyses showed that emotionality factor of global trait emotional intelligence (P =.04) and learner autonomy profile (P <.01) were significant predictors for the higher improvement of aggregate competency outcome. Conclusions: Personal factors of individual residents can affect their improvement of overall competency. Practicing competency-based education should, therefore, include assessing individual resident factors as well as teaching clinical knowledge and technical skills. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 126:1746–1752, 2016.