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Assessing residents' competencies at baseline: identifying the gaps.
Monica L Lypson1, John G Frohna, Larry D Gruppen
1VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 48109-0429, USA. Mlypson@umich.edu
Summary
The Postgraduate Orientation Assessment (POA) effectively measures incoming residents' knowledge and skills, identifying learning gaps during orientation. This objective structured clinical examination helps tailor residency curricula and improve patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Graduate Medical Training
- Healthcare Simulation
Background:
- Incoming residents possess varied medical school experiences and skill levels.
- Baseline assessment is crucial for curriculum development, patient safety, and accreditation.
- The Postgraduate Orientation Assessment (POA) was developed to address these needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the baseline knowledge and skills of incoming residents.
- To identify learning gaps between medical school and residency.
- To evaluate the feasibility and utility of the POA.
Main Methods:
- An eight-station, objective structured clinical examination (POA) was administered.
- Assessed skills included laboratory values, communication, evidence-based medicine, and more.
- The POA targeted skills essential for early residency training.
Main Results:
- 132 interns from 14 specialties participated in 2002.
- The mean score was 74.8%; no significant differences were found when controlling for licensing exam scores.
- University of Michigan graduates scored higher than those from other institutions (p <.001); 81% would recommend the POA.
Conclusions:
- The POA is a feasible method for assessing initial resident knowledge and skills.
- Orientation is an opportune time to identify learning deficits.
- This evaluation supports the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's general competencies.