title: Apprenticeships ease the transition to independent call: an evaluation of anxiety and confidence among junior radiology residents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to quantify resident anxiety when beginning independent call and to assess whether an apprenticeship experience (buddy call) can lessen anxiety and improve confidence.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective cohort comparison of two groups of radiology residents beginning independent call, one of which was provided with a buddy call experience, was performed. Anxiety and confidence were assessed using the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales-State (EMAS-S), with total score, autonomic emotional, and cognitive worry components, and a five-point, Likert-type scale, respectively. Both groups were asked about the perceived value of a buddy call experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  EMAS-S scores improved significantly over 5 days of call in both groups (control, n = 10, P = .0005; buddy call, n = 9, P = .0001), and image interpretation confidence correspondingly increased (control, P = .0004; buddy call, P = .003). Compared to the control group, autonomic emotional scores were significantly lower in the buddy call group on the first day of independent call (P = .040), and cognitive worry and total EMAS-S scores were significantly lower on day 5 (both P values = .03). Buddy call was independently associated with improved autonomic emotional and film interpretation confidence scores (both P values = .02). All members of the buddy call group indicated that the experience was very helpful in preparing for call.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Beginning independent call is associated with high anxiety, and buddy call reduces that anxiety, beyond the effect of time alone. Residents who participated in buddy call found it helpful in preparing for independent call. These findings support the use of buddy call and tiered call structures as means to introduce junior residents to independent call.
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, 48109, USA. atrout@umich.edu
authors: Andrew T
authors: AT
authors: Trout
authors: Page I
authors: PI
authors: Wang
authors: Richard H
authors: RH
authors: Cohan
authors: Janet E
authors: JE
authors: Bailey
authors: Shokoufeh
authors: S
authors: Khalatbari
authors: Jamie D
authors: JD
authors: Myles
authors: N Reed
authors: NR
authors: Dunnick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D016526:Workload