Prospective evaluation of patient recognition of emergency clinician roles and an intervention to improve recognition.
Am J Emerg MedMay 12, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchEmergency Medicine
Morgan Porter, Alexsandra Biel, Danielle Turner-Lawrence et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective controlled trial evaluated clinician role misidentification among 145 emergency department patients. An educational intervention improved correct identification from 40.0% to 64.0% (p = 0.005). The intervention was independently associated with higher odds of correct identification (aOR 6.00, 95% CI 2.31-16.80; p < 0.001).
Key findings
- Baseline correct identification was 40.0% among control patients.
- The intervention increased correct identification to 64.0% (p = 0.005).
- The intervention was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 6.00 for correct identification.
- Improved identification correlated with patient age, race, education, and clinician characteristics.
Why it matters
Understanding clinician roles is essential for effective communication and patient care in emergency settings. This study highlights the potential for educational interventions to enhance patient recognition of care team members.