The Role of the Resident Doctor in Orthopedics and Traumatology in a Large Hospital of the Unified Health System: What is the User’s view?

Abstract

Abstract Objective To assess the knowledge of patients seen at a teaching hospital about the academic and professional training of the resident doctor in orthopedics and traumatology, as wellas his areaofexpertise, and determinethe perception of thepatients ofcomfort and safety in relation to being assisted by the resident doctor at different stages of treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients admitted to a large ortho pedics hospital of the Brazilian Unified Health System(SUS, in the Portugues e acronym). Datawere collected through the application of a questionnaire containing 19 objective questions that assessed sociodemographic parameters and the perception of the patient of the performance of the resident. The data were analyzed to assess the frequency of responses obtained. Results 152 participantswere evaluated, predominantlymale(62.6%)andaged between 36 and 55 years old (41.3%). Only 43.3% were aware of the academic background of the resident. Patients reportedfeelingsaferandmorecomfortablebeingassistedbythedoctor together with the resident in the outpatient consultation (43.3%), in the nursing ward (39.3%)andduringsurgery(61%).Asfor theperformanceof theresident,80.2%statedthat the resident doctor improves communication between the patient and the main surgeon; however, only 11% said they would feel safe and comfortable being cared for exclusively by residents in the surgical environment, if allowed. Conclusion The participation of resident physicians in the care is well received by the patients if they are in the company of the attending physician. Patients identify residents as a facilitating bridge in the communication with attending physicians.

Keywords

• resident doctor
• orthopedics
• traumatology
• orthopedic surgery