Introduction
Barriers hinder medical students from reporting breaches in professional behavior, which can adversely impact institutional culture. No studies have reported student perspectives on how to address these barriers successfully. Our study 1) evaluated the likelihood of reporting based on violation severity, 2) assessed barriers to reporting, and 3) elicited students’ proposed solutions.
Methods
Four medical students designed a cross-sectional study in 2015. In response to seven scenarios, students rated likelihood to report the violation, indicated perceived barriers, and identified solutions. Additional questions investigated the perceived importance of professionalism, confidence in understanding professionalism, and trust in administrative protection from negative consequences.
Results
272 students in their clinical years (MS2-4) responded to the survey (RR=50%). Students were 70-90% likely to report major violations, but less than 30% likely to report minor or moderate violations. Barriers included concerns about an uncomfortable relationship (41%), potential negative repercussions on grades or opportunities (23%), and addressing by direct discussion rather than reporting (23%). Solutions included simplified reporting, control over report release date, improved feedback to reporters, training for real-time resolution of concerns, and a neutral resource to help students triage concerns. No differences existed between classes regarding the importance or understanding of professionalism. In linear regression, only importance of professionalism predicted likelihood of reporting and this did not change with training.
Conclusions
Hindered by common barriers, students are unlikely to report a violation unless it is a serious breach of professionalism. Student-derived solutions should be explored by medical school administrators to encourage professionalism violation reporting.