Curriculum for ambulatory care training in medical residency: rationale, attitudes, and generic proficiencies

This paper provides a foundation for establishing curricula to train medical residents in ambulatory care. To do so, it first presents reasons that curricula are needed in this area. It then delineates attitudes and proficiencies (knowledge and skills) that such curricula should be designed to instill. Finally, it briefly discusses implications for curriculum development. Extensive tables are provided, including detailed lists of generic proficiencies that residents should attain. Among realms in which these proficiencies lie are organizing the ambulatory care encounter, using interpersonal skills, gathering information through physical examination and other means, obtaining and employing clinically useful knowledge, documenting the encounter, and planning and coordinating care. The paper notes that planning for the discharge of patients from the hospital can contribute to obtaining proficiencies important in ambulatory care.