A new study of research conducted at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center debunks something called the "July phenomenon," the idea that trauma patients at teaching hospitals face increased risks that month because that's when the new crop of resident physicians start their rotations. The study appeared in the September issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Here's what one of the authors had to say:
On the other hand, recent studies in the United Kingdom and Australia have in fact shown an increase in adverse events when new physicians come on board, so it seems that American hospitals are doing a good job of preparing residents to hit the ground running.
"The results of our study add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the July phenomenon does not exist in major trauma centers with appropriate guidance and supervision of residents," said Peter E. Fischer, MD, a general surgery resident at the hospital and one of the paper's authors. "Our center, for example, has taken multiple steps, including constant attending physician supervision and a regimented team approach, to ensure quality care for our patients, regardless of the experience of the treating physician. It is time to put the myth of the July Phenomenon to rest."
On the other hand, recent studies in the United Kingdom and Australia have in fact shown an increase in adverse events when new physicians come on board, so it seems that American hospitals are doing a good job of preparing residents to hit the ground running.
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