Implementation and Evaluation of Integrating an Electronic Health Record With the ACGME Case Log System

It is essential to log resident-performed procedures to assess training programs and fulfill specialty requirements, but resident case numbers are often underreported. Current systems require inefficient data entry steps, and residents and fellows report that user interfaces and administrative burden contribute to logging inaccuracy.

To determine the accuracy, feasibility, and acceptability of a single logging approach for resident case logging.

In 2018, we implemented a case logging system integrated with the institutional electronic health record (EHR) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log system to record procedures performed by ophthalmology residents. We compared the proportion of resident-performed cataract extractions in the EHR that were reported to ACGME for 3 periods: before the deployment of the new system (6 months), during the transition (6 months), and after the change (2 years). Resident satisfaction with the new system was evaluated using surveys.

An analysis of resident cataract surgeries showed that the percentage of resident cases logged increased from 85% prior to implementation to 91% after implementation. The integrated system became the preferred case logging method, with 100% of all logged cases being entered using the new platform. Surveys showed that the percentage of trainees who were moderately or very satisfied with the case log process increased from 55% before implementation to 100% after implementation.

A resident case log system integrated with an EHR more accurately reflects resident operative volume and increases trainee satisfaction with the logging process.