Changes in the working conditions and learning environment of medical residents after the enactment of the Medical Resident Act in Korea in 2015: a national 4-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose: In 2015, the South Korean government legislated the Act for the Improvement of Training Conditions and Status of Medical Resid7`nn78bbbbbbbbbbnbents (Medical Resident Act). This study investigated changes in the working and learning environment pre- and post-implementation of the Medical Resident Act in 2017, as well as changes in training conditions by year post-implementation.Methods: An annual cross-sectional voluntary survey was conducted by the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) between 2016 and 2019. The learning and working environment, including extended shift length, rest time, learning goals, and job satisfaction, were compared by institution type, training year, and specialty.Results: Of the 55,727 enrollees in the KIRA, 15,029 trainees took the survey, and the number of survey participants increased year by year (from 2,984 in 2016 to 4,700 in 2019). Overall working hours tended to decrease; however, interns worked the most (114 hours in 2016, 88 hours in 2019; P<0.001). Having 10 hours or more of break time has gradually become more common (P<0.001). Lunch breaks per week decreased from 5 in 2017 to 4 in 2019 (P<0.001). Trainees’ sense of educational deprivation increased from 17.5% in 2016 to 25.6% in 2018 (P<0.001). Awareness of tasks and program/work achievement goals increased from 29.2% in 2016 to 58.3% in 2018 (P<0.001). Satisfaction with the learning environment increased over time, whereas satisfaction with working conditions varied.Conclusion: The Medical Resident Act has brought promising changes to the training of medical residents in Korea, as well as their satisfaction with the training environment.

The Number of Monthly Night Shift Days and Depression Were Associated with an Increased Risk of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Emergency Physicians in South Korea

“…They were not associated factors [ 26 ]. The study explained this finding by noting that the working hours of residents were limited to less than 80 h per week, and rest time the next day of the night shift was guaranteed by a policy for the improvement of training conditions and status of medical residents, enacted and enforced since 2016 [ 36 , 37 ]. As trainees, emergency medicine residents usually work with supervisors and their peers.…”

Shortening shift’s length—Should we ask the residents if this is what they want?

“…In South Korea, the Medical Resident Act took place in 2015 and for the first time restricted the working hours of residents to 80 hours per week, also defining residency programs and directors. In a study that evaluated the effect of the act on residents, they report improvement in learning environment and satisfaction from the residency but show increase in workload and less lunch breaks [ 16 ].…”

The effects of resident work hours on well‐being, performance, and education: A review from a Japanese perspective

“…Concerns about extended working hours for resident physicians in South Korea led to the implementation of a law in 2015 aimed at improving their working conditions and status. The legislation mandates a maximum of 80 working hours weekly and 36 h continuously 24 . A survey conducted by the Korean Intern Resident Association indicated a decline in weekly working hours from 114 to 88 h between 2016 and 2019, which led to increased satisfaction with training 24 …”

“…The legislation mandates a maximum of 80 working hours weekly and 36 h continuously. 24 A survey conducted by the Korean Intern Resident Association indicated a decline in weekly working hours from 114 to 88 h between 2016 and 2019, which led to increased satisfaction with training. 24 The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan introduced guidelines for resident working conditions in 2013.…”

“…24 A survey conducted by the Korean Intern Resident Association indicated a decline in weekly working hours from 114 to 88 h between 2016 and 2019, which led to increased satisfaction with training. 24 The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan introduced guidelines for resident working conditions in 2013. 25 The guidelines specified a limit of 88 weekly working hours, with a maximum of 32 h consecutively and a 10-h interworking interval.…”