SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Silent Voices, Active Feedback: A Mixed Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis of Resident Comment Box Submissions

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This study from UT Austin Dell Medical School examined an anonymous virtual comment box designed to give residents a safe way to share concerns, suggestions, and experiences that leadership may not otherwise see. The tool was created to support transparent communication, meet ACGME expectations for confidential reporting, and strengthen trust between residents and program leadership.<br /><br />Using a mixed-methods approach, the authors analyzed anonymous resident comments submitted through a Google Form linked on the resident website from July 2022 to January 2024. They performed qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative coding of themes, sentiment, and submission timing.<br /><br />A total of 31 responses were received. More than half were submitted later in the work week, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, suggesting residents may be most likely to provide feedback when workload and stress accumulate. Overall, 83.9% of residents reported feeling safe using the comment box, though some expressed concerns about anonymity and whether feedback would lead to retaliation or no meaningful action.<br /><br />Common themes in concerns included patient care quality, workload management, team communication, and the need for better delegation. Residents also highlighted educational needs and requests for improved institutional resource allocation. Proposed solutions focused on stronger teamwork, clearer leadership and care team organization, workload caps, and more balanced responsibilities.<br /><br />The authors conclude that the virtual comment box is a valuable tool for collecting timely, actionable resident feedback. To build trust and encourage continued use, programs should “close the loop” by communicating changes made in response to feedback and maintaining consistent transparency.

Asset Subtitle

Jessica Y. Chambers

Meta Tag

Author List Destiny Cunningham, Jessica Y. Chambers, Nickeysha Francis

Category Research

Concept Anonymous Virtual Comment Box

Concept Resident Feedback

Concept Transparency

Concept Trust

Concept Confidential Reporting

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School

Presenting Author Jessica Y. Chambers

Track Education

Keywords

resident feedback

anonymous comment box

UT Austin Dell Medical School

mixed-methods study

confidential reporting

ACGME expectations

workload stress

patient care quality

team communication

leadership transparency

Anonymous Virtual Comment Box

Resident Feedback

Transparency

Trust

Confidential Reporting