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Development and evaluation of a coordinated, ambulatory rheumatology experience for internal medicine residents
1Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Objective:
To develop a compulsory ambulatory rotation in rheumatology for internal medicine residents and to evaluate the educational effect of this rotation.
Method:
All year 2 residents in the program participated in the rotation. The perceived quality of the learning experience was assessed by resident self-evaluation using a visual analog scale. Residents used a similar scale to rate their confidence in managing common rheumatologic problems. A validated multiple choice test was used to measure pre- and post-rotation knowledge of rheumatology and skill in interpreting bone radiographs.
Results:
On a 1 (no learning) to 5 (superior learning) scale, the mean rating of the rheumatology learning experience was 4.7 +/- 0.5. Residents' confidence in clinical skills significantly increased as well. Scores on the post-rotation rheumatology knowledge test increased 15% compared with pre-rotation scores (P < 0.0001). Confidence and skills in interpreting bone radiology films also significantly improved (P < 0.0001 for both items).
Conclusion:
A relatively brief, subspecialty ambulatory rotation can be developed to expose all residents to a rheumatology curriculum. Such a rotation can increase their confidence, knowledge, and skills in important domains of outpatient rheumatology.