The Development and Implementation of a Patient Continuity Conference in a Psychiatry Residency Program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Care Coordination
• Internal Medicine Residency Programs

Background:

• Effective communication and continuity of care are crucial in medical training.
• Transitions of care present unique challenges for resident physicians.
• Fostering resident cohesion can enhance team performance and learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a resident-led case conference designed to improve patient continuity.
• To assess the impact of the conference on resident competency in care transitions.
• To determine the effect of the conference on cohesion among residents.

Main Methods:

• A monthly case conference focused on patient continuity was implemented.
• The conference spanned one academic year.
• Residents provided feedback via surveys on competency and cohesion.

Main Results:

• The case conference enhanced resident knowledge regarding care transitions.
• Communication during patient care transitions showed improvement.
• Resident comfort, cohesion, and knowledge exchange increased.

Conclusions:

• Resident-led case conferences are effective in improving care transition competency.
• These conferences can successfully enhance cohesion and knowledge sharing among residents.
• Implementing such programs supports better patient care and resident development.