A Survey of Perceived Hierarchies Amongst Health Care Providers Working in Medical Teams

A medical team is comprised of at least three individuals including the patient and two or more core providers who work together.  Providers can include Doctors, Residents, Medical Students, Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Caregivers, Lab Technicians, Pharmacists, Radiologists, etc.

We believe that understanding hierarchies in medical teams will improve the dynamics and processes of medical teams and help to better involve the patient as a member of their own care team.  By participating, you will help us better understand this process.

Despite the fact that medical teams are interdisciplinary and involve multiple providers across a range of specialties, very little is currently known with regards to the dynamics within these teams.  We aim to survey patients and their associated health care providers to better understand the perceived hierarchies that may exist amongst these medical teams.  The results of this study will eventually be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal to create greater awareness and understanding within the medical and broader scientific community of hierarchies in medical teams.  We hope that our results will inform improvements in dynamics and communication amongst medical teams, ultimately leading to more empathetic, effective, and patient-centered care.

We take protecting your data privacy very seriously.  All of your survey responses will be de-identified and securely protected. Your responses will NOT be shared amongst team members.  Team members will NOT know the extent to which you fill out this questionnaire.

The risks associated with this study are minimal.  This study poses no physical risk beyond those involved in normal, daily life.  Your decision whether or not to participate in this study will NOT affect your employment, healthcare or grades.

You will not receive monetary compensation for your participation in this study.