Implementation of a Business of Healthcare Curriculum for General Surgery Residents

To better prepare general surgery residents for handling the business aspects of healthcare, this project evaluation reports on the implementation of a business of healthcare curriculum (BHC) in a general surgery residency program. We evaluated (pre and post curriculum) self-perceived knowledge and attitudes toward common business topics.

General surgery residents were administered a 13-item survey (7 Likert-type and 3 open-ended items assessing self-perceived knowledge and attitudes toward BHC, and 3 demographic questions) prior to the start of the curriculum. The curriculum was comprised of four core sessions, which included didactic lectures and group projects, including the creation of a business plan. At the conclusion of the curriculum, a post-test with the same items was administered. A total of 21 residents completed both the pre and post-tests.

The BHC was a mandatory part of the general surgery residency program and was conducted in Honolulu, Hawaii (University of Hawaii at Manoa).

All general surgery residents, PGY-1 to PGY-5, were required to participate in the curriculum.

Statistically significant increases in resident knowledge were found overall and specifically for healthcare reform legislation, differences between practice settings, financial matters, contracting and coding and billing for services. Additionally, responses to open-ended questions showed that residents had a positive attitude toward the curriculum and found it useful.

General surgery residency programs can successfully create an impactful business of healthcare curriculum with minimal cost if volunteers and existing resources are utilized.