Using a Web-Based Survey for the Annual Internal Medicine Residency Evaluation

Abstract Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires annual surveys of residency programs. Intervention We switched from a paper-based to a web-based survey and report on the efficiency and quality improvement gains from this change. To determine the prevalence of web-based surveys, we conducted a web-based and telephone survey of 17 internal medicine residency training programs in Southern California. Fifteen programs provided data (88% response rate). Results By making the switch, our internal medicine residency program was able to save over 50 administrative hours and over 1000 pieces of paper. A total investment of $20 for the Surveymonkey.com account (Palo Alto, CA) and approximately 15 hours to migrate the survey was made. The program administrators were able to more rapidly analyze and respond to the feedback from the residents with this system. Our survey of other programs showed that of 15 programs, 12 used a web-based survey system (80%) and 3 used a paper-based system (20%). Surveymonkey.com was the most popular system used. Conclusions We feel that the quality of response to resident feedback was enhanced by the real-time reaction to comments and assessments. Residents also appreciated the benefits of such a change. We recommend this approach to other programs that are still using paper-based surveys.

Download Full-text

Tailoring Morning Reports to an Internal Medicine Residency in Qatar

Journal of Graduate Medical Education ◽

10.4300/jgme-d-14-00489.1 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 801-804

Author(s):

Khalid Mohamed Ali Dousa ◽

Mohammed Muneer ◽

Ali Rahil ◽

Ahmed Al-Mohammed ◽

Dabia AlMohanadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internal Medicine ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Needs Assessment ◽

Residency Program ◽

Internal Medicine Residency ◽

Morning Report ◽

Internal Medicine Residency Program ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Case Selection

Abstract Background Morning report, a case-based conference that allows learners and teachers to interact and discuss patient care, is a standard educational feature of internal residency programs, as well as some other specialties. Objective Our intervention was aimed at enhancing the format for morning report in our internal medicine residency program in Doha, Qatar. Intervention In July 2011, we performed a needs assessment of the 115 residents in our internal medicine residency program, using a questionnaire. Resident input was analyzed and prioritized using the percentage of residents who agreed with a given recommendation for improving morning report. We translated the input into interventions that enhanced the format and content, and improved environmental factors surrounding morning report. We resurveyed residents using the questionnaire that was used for the needs assessment. Results Key changes to the format for morning report included improving organization, adding variety to the content, enhancing case selection and the quality of presentations, and introducing patient safety and quality improvement topics into discussions. This led to a morning report format that is resident-driven, and resident-led, and that produces resident-focused learning and quality improvement activities. Conclusions Our revised morning report format is a dynamic tool, and we will continue to tailor and modify it on an ongoing basis in response to participant feedback. We recommend a process of assessing and reassessing morning report for other programs that want to enhance resident interest and participation in clinical and safety-focused discussions.

Download Full-text