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Students Improve Hospital Quality

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By LARRY CAREY

Published: December 13, 2007

This article is in response to the Tampa Tribune article published on Dec. 5, "Haley Complaint Points to Psychology Trainees."

I would like you to know the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is a multifaceted health care organization. While the primary mission is patient care, there is an enormous commitment to education. As one of the Tampa area's premier teaching hospitals, we are proud of our affiliations with the University of South Florida, as well as numerous other schools. All of these affiliates send trainees for a part of their evaluation in medical science.

National studies have shown that patients benefit from the constant presence of teachers and learners providing 24/7 availability of care. It is well known patient outcomes are far better in a teaching hospital. In addition, it is clear that teaching hospitals are different. If one examines any report of "the best hospitals," all are teaching hospitals.

The requirements for supervision of those in training are specified by the various accrediting agencies. It is important to distinguish between "fully" trained professionals and those with license or board certification. For example, there are specialties where fully trained staff may have to practice for a period of five years prior to taking board examinations. In other areas, there may be a defined period of practice after completed training prior to licensure. Each training program is monitored to assure compliance with the requirements.

With several hundred trainees in the hospital at any time, a major focus is the balance between enough responsibility to learn and enough supervision to assure high-quality care.

We are proud of our educational programs, and we are proud of the quality of care given to our patients.

Larry Carey, M.D., is deputy chief of staff and associate chief of staff for education at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

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