Does Psychological Safety Impact the Clinical Learning Environment for Resident Physicians? Results From the VA's Learners' Perceptions Survey

ABSTRACT Background  Psychological safety (PS) is the perception that it is safe to take interpersonal risks in the work environment. In teaching hospitals, PS may influence the clinical learning environment for trainees. Objective  We assessed whether resident physicians believe they are psychologically safe, and if PS is associated with how they rate satisfaction with their clinical learning experience. Methods  Data were extracted from the Learners' Perceptions Survey (LPS) of residents who rotated through a Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility for academic years 2011–2014. Predictors of PS and its association with resident satisfaction were adjusted to account for confounding and response rate biases using generalized linear models. Results  The 13 044 respondents who completed the LPS (30% response rate) were comparable to nonpediatric, non–obstetrics-gynecology residents enrolled in US residency programs. Among respondents, 11 599 (89%) agreed that “. . . members of the clinical team ...