Medical interns spend too much time on paperwork, too little time on direct patient care
Medical interns are spending a surprisingly small percentage of their time directly caring for patients, according to a study published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. In a study of first-year residents at two large academic medical centers in Baltimore, researchers from Johns Hopkins found that only 12% of residents’ time was spent talking with and examining patients. Of their remaining time, interns spent 64% on indirect patient care such as filling out paperwork and placing orders, 15% on education activities, and 9% on activities such as walking, sleeping, and eating.
Researchers questioned whether interns are receiving enough training and experience to deliver high-quality care despite spending so little time with patients. Previous research has shown that a physician’s bedside manner can benefit both the patients’ and hospitals’ bottom lines. One researcher from Johns Hopkins noted that building a relationship with patients can improve diagnoses and reduce medical errors.
Source: Fierce Healthcare