Medical Students Raising Concerns

Abstract

After a number of high-profile incidents and national reports, it has become clear that all health professionals and all medical students must be able to raise concerns about a colleague's behavior if this behavior puts patients, colleagues, or themselves at risk. Detailed evidence from medical students about their confidence to raise concerns is limited, together with examples of barriers, which impair their ability to do so. We describe a questionnaire survey of medical students in a single-center, examining self-reported confidence about raising concerns in a number of possible scenarios. Thematic analysis was applied to comments about barriers identified. Although 80% of respondents felt confident to report a patient safety issue, students were less confident around issues of probity, attitude, and conduct. This needs to be addressed to create clear mechanisms to raise concerns, as well as support for students during the process.

Impact of Collaborative Leadership in Dental School Team Clinics

“…They did, however, appear to feel more comfortable articulating these concerns if the suggestions were constructive or if there was a perceived risk of serious consequences if not addressed. This finding was similar to that of Druce et al, who reported that students were more confident reporting issues regarding patient safety 2 . In our study, dental students considered their own obligation to the team's operation and the patient's well‐being paramount when deciding whether or not to verbalize concerns to the team.…”

“…Dental professionals abide by specific ethical obligations, including the obligation to promote patient welfare, communicate truthfully, and respect the trust between dentist and patient 1 . Many believe that it is a medical professional's duty to report concerns that could put a patient or colleague's well‐being in danger 2 – 4 …”

“…Hamasaki et al found that communication between dentists and dental hygienists resulted in patients’ improved health and lower fear scores 11 . Previous research in the health professions has examined the comfort level of students and health care team members in identifying and reporting malpractice and misconduct 2 – 4 , 12 . However, much of this research focused on the students and health care team members directing these reports or messages to superiors, rather than assessment of the superiors themselves.…”

“…1 Many believe that it is a medical professional's duty to report concerns that could put a patient or colleague's well-being in danger. [2][3][4] Voice as a behavior is defined as a "constructive challenge to the status quo with the intent of improving the situation." 5 Voice behaviors encompass constructive suggestions and change-oriented communication, which are not necessarily synonymous with expressions of dissatisfaction and the reporting of hazards.…”

“…11 Previous research in the health professions has examined the comfort level of students and health care team members in identifying and reporting malpractice and misconduct. [2][3][4]12 However, much of this research focused on the students and health care team members directing these reports or messages to superiors, rather than assessment of the superiors themselves. In contrast, experts on leadership and communication assert that the ability of a leader to communicate to his or her team plays an equally important role in good communication with team members.…”