Changes in Clinical Supervision During Emergency Shifts After National Resident Advocacy Efforts: Preliminary Results from the 2026 Spanish Follow-Up Survey
Jesús Francisco ARZÚA MOYA
Clinical supervision during emergency department shifts is both a legal and educational requirement in residency programs. However, the 2024 nationwide survey conducted by Asociación MIR España (AME) identified widespread inadequate supervision among Spanish residents. Since then, AME has carried out national advocacy, media campaigns, and institutional negotiations aimed at improving supervision standards. A follow-up survey in 2026 was launched to assess whether supervision quality has changed over time.To compare supervision levels reported by residents in 2024 and 2026, and to evaluate whether advocacy actions by AME were associated with improvements in training conditions and perceived patient safety.A repeated cross-sectional online survey was distributed nationally between April and June 2026 using social media, institutional mailing lists, and resident networks. Eligible participants included: 2nd-year residents of all specialties 2nd–4th-year Family Medicine residents The questionnaire replicated the 2024 items to allow direct comparison. Variables included type of supervision, availability of attending physicians, supervision by specialists vs. non-specialists, and perceived safety. Descriptive statistics and comparison of proportions were performed. Preliminary results are presented.A total of X,XXX responses were received from XXX hospitals (data collection ongoing). Compared with 2024 results (adequate supervision: 28.6%, poor/absent: 71.4%), preliminary 2026 data show: Increase in adequate supervision (provisional improvement of +X–X percentage points). Reduction in residents left alone overnight, especially in regions previously identified as high-risk. Slight decrease in supervision by non-specialists. Residents increasingly reported that professional organizations and advocacy efforts had raised awareness among hospitals and departments.Early findings suggest a potential positive trend in supervision quality following two years of national advocacy. However, significant variability persists between hospitals and regions. Continued monitoring and regulatory action remain necessary to ensure equitable training conditions and patient safety.Preliminary 2026 data indicate an improvement in clinical supervision during emergency shifts compared with 2024. Advocacy by resident organizations may contribute to these changes, highlighting the value of national monitoring and policy engagement in strengthening medical training.
