Parental understanding of the role of trainees in the ophthalmic care of their children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine parental knowledge and expectations regarding the roles of trainees involved in their child's ophthalmic care.


METHODS
Prospective survey.


METHODS
Parents of 128 children attending outpatient pediatric ophthalmology clinics at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.


METHODS
A questionnaire was given prospectively to parents (and 1 custodial grandparent). They were asked to identify, using a checklist, the roles and responsibilities of medical students, residents, and fellows and to explore their expectations regarding trainee participation using a multiple choice questionnaire.


METHODS
Parental knowledge and expectations regarding the roles and participation of medical trainees in the ophthalmic care of their children as measured by survey questionnaire.


RESULTS
Parental knowledge about the roles of trainees was very limited with one exception: more than 95% knew that medical students are learning to be doctors and most had a good knowledge of the medical student role. More than 76% wanted to be asked specifically if they would allow trainees involved in their child's care. Seventy-five percent were happy to have capable trainees involved, provided that the trainees discuss all decisions with the responsible staff doctor. Parents wanted health care providers to identify themselves by name (77%) and position (86%). Only 3% did not want trainees involved in any part of their child's care.


CONCLUSIONS
Although parental knowledge regarding the relative roles of trainees is poor, parents generally are willing to have trainees involved in their child's medical and surgical care, provided they are adequately supervised and that the parent is aware of their participation.
Zeller
Michelle
M
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Perruzza
Enza
E
Austin
Latoya
L
Vohra
Sunita
S
Stephens
Derek
D
Abdolell
Mohamed
M
McKneally
Martin
M
Levin
Alex V
AV
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012380:Role; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires