Effects of the implementation of a no-pull policy on radiology resident staffing.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a "no-pull" policy in radiology residency programs, which prevents residents from being pulled from their scheduled rotations to cover other services. The hypothesis was that such a policy reduces the uneven distribution of training across subspecialties, ensuring that residents receive a more comprehensive education.

Methods: Resident schedules from two years prior to the implementation of the no-pull policy were compared with those from two years after the policy was enacted. Any instance where a resident was reassigned from their scheduled rotation to cover a different subspecialty due to staffing needs was recorded as a "pull." The number of pull days was calculated and compared across both periods. A total of 40 residents' schedules were analyzed for both pre- and post-policy periods.

Results: Two- and one-year pre-policy, the number of total pulls was substantial at 369 and 372 pull days, respectively. One- and two-years post-policy, the number of pull days dramatically decreased to 76 and 89 pull days, respectively. This equates to an average of 82.5 total pull days per year, or just 2 pull days per resident annually-a 78% reduction.

Discussion: The implementation of a no-pull policy in radiology residency programs significantly decreased the number of days residents were reassigned to cover under-staffed specialties. This change contributed to a more consistent and well-rounded training experience, ensuring residents gained valuable time in all subspecialty rotations without being diverted to cover others.