Curriculum redesign for teaching the PCMH in Colorado Family Medicine Residency programs

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a practice model that is intended to improve the quality of care by making it safer, more comprehensive, integrated, and personal. However, most family medicine residency programs are not fully prepared to train residents on this idealized model. The Colorado Family Medicine Residency PCMH Project's overall objective is to transform 10 residency practices into PCMHs through practice improvement and curriculum redesign. This paper focuses on the programs' implementation of key PCMH components into the residency curricula and the impact on resident self-perceived competence in and use of PCMH components.

Mixed-method evaluation assessed PCMH curricular characteristics, routine use of PCMH components in patient care, and perceived resident competence after implementation of quality improvement coaching and PCMH curriculum tools. Baseline and follow-up PCMH semi-structured curriculum interviews assessed elements included in the residency programs' curricula. The PCMH Clinician Assessment (PCMH-CA) Survey assessed routine use of PCMH components in patient care. The PCMH Competency Self-Assessment Survey assessed residents' perceived competency in applying PCMH elements in patient care.

Qualitative data results demonstrated active efforts by the residency programs to implement key PCMH components. Survey results showed significant improvement from baseline to follow-up (12--36 months).

Implementation of the key components of PCMH into practice improvement efforts and residency curricula improved residents' routine use of PCMH in patient care and their perceived PCMH competence.