Important Elements in the Quality Improvement Curriculum for Orthopaedic Residents

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Orthopaedic residency programs require resident participation in quality improvement (QI) projects.
• Limited published guidance exists on implementing structured QI curricula in orthopaedic residency.
• This article details a single institution's experience developing a longitudinal, integrated QI curriculum for residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a structured QI curriculum for orthopaedic residents.
• To assess the impact of the curriculum on residents' QI project management and patient safety skills.

Main Methods:

• Implemented the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process as a formal curriculum starting in 2014.
• Established a structured, collaborative process with monthly team meetings for residents.
• Administered serial surveys to residents for feedback and outcome assessment.

Main Results:

• Seven major QI projects were successfully implemented by residents.
• Resident surveys indicated significant improvements in comfort levels with organizing QI projects.
• Residents reported increased confidence in interprofessional teamwork and integrating patient safety into practice.

Conclusions:

• Formal QI curricula are essential for standardizing QI project approaches in orthopaedic residency.
• A structured DMAIC education plan, team-based learning, and responsiveness to feedback are key to effective QI programs.
• Such programs equip residents with valuable patient safety skills and impactful QI experience for future practice.