What’s in a Name? Role Clarity Goes Well Beyond a Simple Title

Abstract

Background: Role clarity is important for patient care but challenging in graduate medical education (GME). Methods: Badge buddies were integrated for all GME trainees at a single institution, and surveys were conducted prior to and 5 months following implementation. Results: There were 932 pre- and 498 postimplementation respondents. Following implementation, both trainees and nurses reported improved awareness of GME training level, but there were no changes in patient/family perceptions. Conclusions: Badge buddies improved caregiver awareness of GME training level but did not impact patient/family perception. Patients appear to be focused primarily on relationships with caregivers and communication skills rather than a provider’s specific role.