Explicit Guidelines Improve Resident-Attending Communication

Major Finding: Residents failed to inform attending surgeons of critical patient events in 26 of 80 cases (33%) before adoption of new guidelines, and in only 1 of 47 cases (2%) after the intervention.

Data Source: Prospective studies at four hospitals before and after adoption of guidelines requiring residents to inform attending surgeons of any significant change in patient status.

Disclosures: Dr. Greenberg said she has no relevant conflicts of interest.