962. Essential Consultants’ Skills and Attitudes (Willing CONSULT): A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an increasing number of studies that infectious diseases consultations improve patients’ outcomes, but few studies have investigated the quality of consultations. The aim of this study was to identify important skills and attitudes for consultants to improve the quality of consultations.MethodsWe conducted our research in two phases: a preliminary survey (May 1 to 14, 2020) and the main survey (June 1 to 14, 2020). As a preliminary survey, first-year postgraduate residents at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, were first asked an open-ended question about the types of skills and attitudes that are important for consultants. After eliminating duplicate answers, there were 19 skills and attitudes in total. In the main survey with residents who completed their residency training at our institute, from 2014 to 2018, and current residents (2019–2020), we first asked them about their demographic characteristics (gender, years of postgraduate education, and type of specialty). Then, they answered how important each skill and attitude are for consultants. All 19 items were scored on a seven-point Likert scale that ranged from 0 (completely disagree) to 6 (totally agree) (Figure 1). Cronbach’s alpha confirmed the internal consistency of the questionnaire items. Principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed. Figure 1. Skills and attitudes required in consultants according to residentsResultsThe survey included 107 individuals (61.1%, 175 potential participants). The median postgraduate years of education were four (interquartile range: 2-5), and 64.5% were men (n = 69). Seven key elements for consultants were identified and termed Willing CONSULT. These included (1) willingness (willingness to accept consultation requests), (2) contact (easy access to consultants), (3) needs (consideration of consulters’ needs), (4) suggestions and support (providing clear recommendations and suggestions, following up on the patients, and supporting the consulters continuously), (5) urgency (considering the situation’s urgency and responding appropriately), (6) learning opportunities (providing teaching points), and (7) text (writing medical records appropriately and quickly) (Figure 2). ConclusionWe propose Willing CONSULT, which are important skills and attitudes for consultants.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures