Authors

Pranith Perera

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-22-2008

Abstract

Objective: To explore if previously reported discrepancies, between educational level and comprehension of informed consent, affects the end outcome of voluntarism for surgery performed by a resident. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to female patients at an outpatient Womens health clinic at a University Hospital. Patients were questioned using a 10 point scale (0 indicating not comfortable, 10 indicating the very comfortable) on their comfort levels with having surgery performed on them by a resident who was consistently supervised, supervised during important steps only, minimal supervision with attending in close proximity. Additionally patients were asked to about their level of education (Less than elementary, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Some College, 2 Year Degree, 4 year Degree, Post-Graduate). The collected surveys were then analyzed using simple linear regression to determine if there was a correlation between the reported comfort levels and level of education. Results: 136 patients completed the questionnaire to determine comfort levels and level of education. Analysis showed that reported levels of comfort showed no statistically significant correlation with level of education. Conclusion: A lower level of education did not contribute to the level of comfort reported by a patient on receiving surgery from a resident under decreasing levels of supervision.'

Share

COinS