How do patients perceive resident participation in facial cosmetic treatment?

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to determine patient attitudes toward resident participation in their facial cosmetic treatment.

Materials And Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study which consisted of an anonymous questionnaire regarding the patient's opinion of resident involvement in their care. Patients who presented to a single academic center seeking facial cosmetic care were surveyed over a period of 10 months. The primary outcome variables were degree of training, analysis of resident involvement impacting quality of care, and resident gender.

Results: Fifty patients were surveyed. All participants agreed that they would be comfortable if a resident observed their consultation or treatment and 94% agreed they would be comfortable if a resident interviewed and examined before meeting with the surgeon (n = 47). When asked if they would prefer a resident to be far along in their training if they were involved in the surgical care, the majority, 68% (n = 34), agreed. Only 18% (n = 9) of the patients reported feeling a resident's involvement in their surgery may lower the quality of their care.

Conclusion: Patient perception of resident participation in their cosmetic treatment is favorable, but it appears patients do prefer that residents be well into their training years.