Are continuity clinic patients less satisfied when residents have a heavy inpatient workload?

Christopher A. Feddock, Andrew R. Hoellein, Charles H. Griffith, John F. Wilson, Natasha S. Becker, Jennifer L. Bowerman, Timothy S. Caudill

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of resident nonclinic workload on the satisfaction of continuity clinic patients. Over a 2-month period in 2002, residents and patients were surveyed at the University of Kentucky internal medicine continuity clinic. Residents provided a self-report of their non-clinic workload as light or medium versus heavy or extremely heavy. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 7-item, 10-point scale with items derived from commonly used patient satisfaction instruments. In 168 patient encounters, patients were significantly less satisfied with their clinic visit if they were seen by a resident who had a heavier workload. In addition, these patients gave significantly lower ratings with regard to the amount of time spent with the patient during the visit, and how well the resident listened and paid attention. Although alternative explanations exist, we propose that heavy hospital workload is associated with decreased patient satisfaction in resident continuity clinic.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)390-399
Number of pages10
JournalEvaluation and the Health Professions
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

Keywords

  • Ambulatory clinic
  • Internship and residency
  • Patient satisfaction
  • Workload

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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