Patients' Perceptions of Resident Surgeon Involvement in Otolaryngology

Objectives To assess patient acceptance of resident involvement in otolaryngologic procedures and to evaluate the impact of a written preoperative educational pamphlet. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods This is a prospective survey study at a large tertiary care academic center. In addition to standard perioperative instructions and informed consent, 87 out of 183 patients received a pamphlet with information on the role of the otolaryngology resident. Results Greater than 90% of all patients surveyed recognized that resident physicians are directly involved in delivering care at teaching hospitals and may have assisted in their surgical procedure. Ninety percent of patients receiving educational pamphlets were aware residents may have performed portions of their procedure versus 71% in the control group (P = .001). Ninety-seven percent of patients receiving pamphlets wanted to know how much of their procedure was performed by a resident versus 71% of the control group (P < .001), and patients undergoing single-surgeon procedures were less likely to want to know how much was performed by a resident (P < .05). Ninety-six percent in the pamphlet group agreed that residents improved the quality of their care versus 79% of the control group (P = .001). Discussion Resident surgeons are well received by the large majority of otolaryngology patients. Structured perioperative information regarding surgical training facilitates an honest and open informed consent discussion between the patient and surgeon and helps to establish a solid foundation of trust. Conclusion Implementation of this practice is simple and inexpensive. It should be considered for any clinical practice with a focus on surgical education. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2021

Automated summary

The study found that over 90% of patients recognized that resident physicians are directly involved in delivering care at teaching hospitals. Patients who received educational pamphlets were more aware of residents' involvement in their surgical procedure compared to the control group. Additionally, the majority of patients in the pamphlet group wanted to know how much of their procedure was performed by a resident, and agreed that residents improved the quality of their care.