A trial of two strategies to modify the test-ordering behavior of medical residents

N Engl J Med. 1980 Dec 4;303(23):1330-6. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198012043032304.

Abstract

We studied two methods to reduce the ordering of laboratory and radiologic tests by medical residents in their first postgraduate year. Dividing the residents into three groups, we compared the effect of concurrent chart review and discussion in one group with the effect of a moderate financial incentive for limited ordering of tests in a second group. The third group of residents served as a concurrent control, and data on the testing patterns of residents at the same hospital during the year before the study provided a retrospective control.

MeSH terms

  • Boston
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / statistics & numerical data*
  • Concurrent Review
  • Employee Incentive Plans
  • Health Services Misuse*
  • Health Services*
  • Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Medical Records
  • Motivation
  • Radiography / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States