Objective: We sought to examine the factors associated with resident perceptions of autonomy and to characterize the relationship between resident autonomy and wellness.
Background: Concerns exist that resident autonomy is decreasing, impacting competence.
Methods: Quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional survey administered after the 2020 ABSITE. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups with residents and faculty at 15 programs.
Results: Seven thousand two hundred thirty-three residents (85.5% response rate) from 324 programs completed the survey. Of 5139 residents with complete data, 4424 (82.2%) reported appropriate autonomy, and these residents were less likely to experience burnout [odds ratio (OR) 0.69; 95% CI 0.58-0.83], suicidality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.54-0.89), and thoughts of leaving their programs (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.37-0.54). Women were less likely to report appropriate autonomy (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.68-0.97). Residents were more likely to report appropriate autonomy if they also reported satisfaction with their workload (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.28-2.11), work-life balance (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.57-2.58), faculty engagement (OR 3.55; 95% CI 2.86-4.35), resident camaraderie (OR 2.23; 95% CI, 1.78-2.79), and efficiency and resources (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.95-2.88). Qualitative data revealed that (1) autonomy gives meaning to the clinical experience of residency, (2) multiple factors create barriers to autonomy, and (3) autonomy is not inherent to the training paradigm, requiring residents to learn behaviors to "earn" it.
Conclusion: Autonomy is not considered an inherent part of the training paradigm such that residents can assume that they will achieve it. Resources to function autonomously should be allocated equitably to support all residents' educational growth and wellness.
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