Exit Interview Tips for Hospitals and Residents

Impart words of wisdom

Whether you combine the exit interview with the resident's final summative evaluation or choose to hold those conversations at different times, allow residents to review any data you will discuss prior to the meeting, says Katz.

"I don't want them to sit there and read their evaluations with me," he explains. "We should talk about where they feel they are and where they're going."

During his exit conversations with residents, Katz reiterates feedback that he's given during previous conversations, but he puts a real-world spin on it.

For example, when meeting with a resident who hasn't responded well to feedback, rather than discussing an example related to the residency training, Katz will ask the resident to consider a hypothetical situation in which the peer review committee sends him or her letter regarding a patient complaint. Katz then works through the problem and possible responses with the resident.

Don't be hesitant to broach personal topics with graduating residents. Help them set personal and professional goals, Cook says.

Julie McCoy is an associate editor for the residency department at HCPro, Inc. Click here to read more residency news.