The new hour restrictions for residents: Stop with the manipulation

On Friday, November 4, Thomas Nasca, MD, the chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), released a letter outlining the proposed changes to intern work hour restrictions and other regulations. Specifically, the proposed update is expanding the previous restrictions to the length of the intern (who is a physician in their very first year out of medical school) work day from 16 to up to 28 hours. Strong opinions regarding the proposals have been shared by veteran physicians, medical educators, medical student and resident groups. Overall, I have felt encouraged that these commentators have all shared the common goals of improving patient safety and resident satisfaction. Unfortunately, I do not feel the same way about the attitude and statements made by the ACGME. Since the release of the proposals, there has been much controversy and discussion about the increased limit to intern work hours and the impact on patient safety and thy mental health and well-being of resident physicians. It is important to note that in addition to easing restrictions, some of the changes proposed by the ACGME involve changing or clarifying the language of specific regulations (such as changing the term “duty hours” to the more politically preferable “clinical experience and education hours”). Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Education Residency Source Type: blogs