Lean Belt Certification: Pathway for Student, Resident, and Faculty Development and Scholarship

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Training

Background:

• Integrating quality improvement (QI) into surgical residency is crucial for enhancing patient care and professional development.
• The Indiana University Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery implemented a QI curriculum to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and participant satisfaction of a QI curriculum within an otolaryngology residency program.
• To assess the impact of QI training on residents' scholarly activities and professional growth.

Main Methods:

• A QI curriculum was delivered to otolaryngology residents, medical students, and psychiatry residents.
• Participant satisfaction and subsequent QI project initiation were tracked.
• Outcomes included national presentations, publications, and institutional awards.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction with the QI program's quality and effectiveness was reported.
• Several participants initiated independent QI projects.
• QI training led to national conference presentations, journal publications, and research awards.

Conclusions:

• QI training can be successfully integrated into residency programs, yielding high satisfaction.
• The acquired skillset empowers participants to undertake projects that improve patient care and institutional value.
• The program fosters significant scholarly and professional development for motivated trainees.