Residents' Views on Research and Quality Improvement Training Can Guide Practice-Based Research Network Collaboration

This study was conducted by the West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network Learning Collaborative to assess research activity, confidence, and attitudes toward residency programs' research and quality improvement requirements and inform the integration of the state-wide practice-based research network (PBRN) as mentors to support practice transformation implementation initiatives across various resident training sites in West Virginia.

This pilot study assessed residents' attitudes regarding (1) research activity, (2) confidence and (3) requirements of their program in research and quality improvement training by using an anonymous survey, administered during regular residency meetings.

Of the 68 residents,representing four DO and MD Family Medicine residency programs in West Virginia, 40 (58.8%) responded to the survey. About 64 percent of residents had worked on a quality improvement project, and more than half of residents (52.5%) submitted a research project for a competitive presentation within the most recent year. Sixty-five percent felt satisfied with the residency program's research and quality improvement curriculum. However, only 55 percent felt confident to perform a project and 52 percent submitted a project to a competitive forum.

Only half of the residents demonstrate activity and confidence in research and quality improvement. This shows an opportunity to assess current curriculums and provide new strategies to enhance their ability to conduct practice transformation initiatives.