A model of four hierarchical levels to train Chinese residents’ teaching skills for “practice-based learning and improvement” competency

Abstract

Objectives: The current study focused on validating a protocol for training and auditing the resident’s practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) and quality improvement (QI) competencies for primary care. Methods: Twelve second-year (R₂), 12 first-year (R₁) and 12 postgraduate year-1 residents were enrolled into group A, B and C, respectively, as trainees. After three training protocols had been completed, a writing test, self-assessed questionnaire and mini-OSTE and end-of-rotation assessment were used in auditing the PBLI competency, performance and teaching ability of trainees. Results: Baseline expert-assessed PBLI and QI knowledge application tool writing scores were low for the R₁ and R₂ residents. After three training protocols, PBLI and QI proficiencies, performance and teaching abilities were improved to similar levels cross the three training levels of residents based on the expert-assessed writing test-audited assessments and on the faculty and standardized clerk-assessed end-of-rotation-/mini-OSTE-audited assessments. Conclusion: The different four-level hierarchical protocols used to teach group A, B and C were equally beneficial and fitted their needs; namely the different levels of the trainees. Specifically, each level was able to augment their PBLI and QI proficiency. This educational intervention helps medical institutions to train residents as PBLI instructors.

Keywords:

• Faculty
• mini-OSTE
• practice-based learning and improvement
• quality improvement
• standardized clerk

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the government Ministry of Health and Welfare and Taiwan Association of Medical Education (TAME) for their financial supports. The authors also thank all the clinical-instructors and junior-physicians who participated in this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.