Lessons learned from a novel 3-year longitudinal stepwise "Residents-as-Teachers" program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Training
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Most residents-as-teachers (RaT) programs lack comprehensive evaluation and stepwise approaches.
• This study addresses the need for effective, long-term RaT training for residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a novel 3-year longitudinal, stepwise RaT program.
• To compare the novel program with traditional RaT delivery methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving first-year residents across all specialties.
• Effectiveness measured via objective structured teaching exercises (OSTE), participant/student feedback, and program director evaluations.
• Comparison between a 3-year longitudinal RaT program and traditional short-term programs.

Main Results:

• The longitudinal RaT group demonstrated significantly higher OSTE scores in years 2 and 3 (p=0.001, p=0.015).
• Participant satisfaction was higher with advanced topics in later years (p=0.02).
• Medical student feedback was comparable; program directors noted slightly better clinical performance in the longitudinal group.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a multi-year longitudinal RaT program presents challenges but is potentially linked to improved learning retention and satisfaction.
• The longitudinal stepwise RaT program is a promising model worthy of promotion in medical education.