A Didactic and Experiential Quality Improvement Curriculum for Psychiatry Residents

Background Quality improvement (QI) education in residency training is important and necessary for accreditation. Although the literature on this topic has been growing, some specialties, in particular psychiatry, have been underrepresented. Methods We developed a didactic and experiential QI curriculum within a US psychiatry residency program that included a seminar series and development of QI projects. Evaluation included resident knowledge using the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool, implementation of resident QI projects, and qualitative and quantitative satisfaction with the curriculum. Results Our curriculum significantly improved QI knowledge in 2 cohorts of residents (N = 16) as measured by the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool. All resident QI projects (100%) in the first cohort were implemented. Residents and faculty reported satisfaction with the curriculum. Conclusions Our curriculum incorporated QI education through didactic and experiential learning in a moderately sized US psychiatry residency program. Important factors included a longitudinal experience with protected time for residents to develop QI projects and a process for developing faculty competence in QI. Further studies should use a control group of residents and examine interprofessional QI curricula.