Examining the July Effect: A National Survey of Academic Leaders in Medicine

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• 作者：Kathryn Levy ; MD^a ; Jessica Voit ; MD^a ; Amit Gupta ; MD^a ; Christopher M. Petrilli ; MD^a ; Vineet Chopra ; MD ; MSc^a ; ^b ; ^{vineetc@umich.edu" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author}
• 关键词：Graduate medical education ; July Effect ; Patient safety ; Residency program ; Training
• 刊名：The American Journal of Medicine
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：July 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：129
• 期：7
• 页码：754.e1-754.e5
• 全文大小：151 K

文摘

Whether the “July Effect” affects perspectives or has prompted changes in US Internal Medicine residency programs is unknown.

Methods

We designed a survey-based study to assess views and efforts aimed at preventing harm in July. A convenience sampling strategy (email listserv and direct messages to program leaders via the Electronic Residency Application Service) was used to disseminate the survey.

Results

The response rate was 16% (65/418 programs); however, a total of 262 respondents from all 50 states where residency programs are located were included. Most respondents (n = 201; 77%) indicated that errors occur more frequently in July compared with other months. The most common identified errors included incorrect or delayed orders (n = 183, 70% and n = 167, 64%, respectively), errors in discharge medications (n = 144, 55%), and inadequate information exchange at handoffs (n = 143, 55%). Limited trainee experience (n = 208, 79%), lack of understanding hospital workflow, and difficulty using electronic medical record systems (n = 194; 74% and n = 188; 72%, respectively) were reported as the most common factors contributing to these errors. Programs reported instituting several efforts to prevent harm in July: for interns, additional electronic medical record training (n = 178; 68%) and education on handoffs and discharge processes (n = 176; 67% and n = 108; 41%, respectively) were introduced. Similarly, for senior residents, teaching sessions on how to lead a team (n = 158; 60%) and preferential placement of certain residents on harder rotations (n = 103; 39%) were also reported. Most respondents (n = 140; 53%) also solicited specific “July attendings” using a volunteer system or highest teaching ratings.

Conclusion

Residency programs in Internal Medicine appear to have instituted various changes to mitigate harm in July. Further evaluation to understand the impact of these interventions on trainee education and patient safety is necessary.