“ Programs must be committed to and responsible for promoting patient safety and resident well-being in a supportive educational environment.”
ACGME Common Program Requirements VI.A.2
The ACGME is responsible for setting standards for residency and fellowship programs to create a safe learning environment that serves the best interests of patients and residents.
ACGME requirements specify that programs must be committed to and responsible for promoting patient safety and resident well-being in a supportive educational environment. The intent of these requirements is to foster a humanistic learning environment that serves the best interests of patients, residents, and fellows while in training, as well as in their future practice. Institutions that sponsor ACGME-accredited programs must: provide residents/fellows with access to health services, such as confidential counseling and behavioral health resources; educate residents and faculty members about wellness, including adequate rest; and have systems in place for monitoring and identifying any form of resident/fellow mistreatment.
A comprehensive review to update the Common Program Requirements began in the fall of 2015. A Task Force was established to assess new research and consider input from the profession and the public related to the learning and working environment, including resident/fellow well-being, patient safety, transitions of care, supervision, teamwork, and clinical experience and education hours.