2012 NATIONAL RESIDENT SURVEY

Our 2012 National Resident Survey had a response rate of 29.1% and included the following topics: global health, educational experience, residency experience, employment opportunities, and health human resources. An analysis of the results yielded several key findings:

• Concerning work hours and safety risks, over 76% of respondents noted that work-related fatigue contributed to errors on the job, while 34% cited work-related fatigue as a factor contributing to dangerous incidents involving motor vehicles. These findings demonstrate an important link between extended work hours and increased safety risks for both patients and residents.
• On the issue of employment opportunities after residency, a significant number of residents in specialty training programs, who are nearing the end of their training, are still looking for employment after graduation. Reflected in the survey results, residents from some specialty training programs were noticeably less confident about their job prospects.
• The accessibility of resident mentors was another key issue highlighted in the survey. A third of all residents noted that they do not have a formal or informal mentor. This finding is significant given that more than half of all respondents stated that they intend to take further training beyond their primary speciality, which will likely result in a demand for mentorship on career guidance and specializations.
• Dedicated resources for advising on inappropriate behaviour was also a key issue. Beyond a resident’s program director, many residents remain unsure of who they can turn to as a resource for dealing with inappropriate workplace behaviour. Moving forward, more visible, confidential, and dedicated resources will be needed to help residents in this area.

To request data from the National Resident Survey, click here.