Implementation of a Problem-Based Presentation Format to Improve Residents' Ambulatory Patient Presentations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Internal Medicine Residency Training
• Clinical Presentation Skills

Background:

• Standardized formats for presenting hospitalized patients exist, but outpatient clinic presentation guidance is inconsistent.
• This inconsistency can lead to varied educational experiences for residents and faculty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a novel standardized format for outpatient clinic presentations.
• The aim was to improve the structure and effectiveness of resident presentations in the clinic setting.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment informed the development of the Problem-Based Presentation (PBP) format.
• The PBP format was implemented in an internal medicine residency program's teaching clinics.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed resident and faculty perceptions of presentation outcomes, feasibility, and acceptability.

Main Results:

• Residents reported significant improvements in confidence regarding presentation content, order, and organization (P<.001).
• Perceived quality of outpatient education and frequency of teaching points reviewed also increased for residents (P=.002).
• Faculty reported increased satisfaction with the structured resident presentations (P=.008).

Conclusions:

• The Problem-Based Presentation (PBP) format effectively enhanced resident confidence in presentation skills.
• Implementation of the PBP format led to better-organized presentations and improved resident education in outpatient clinics.
• The standardized format positively impacted faculty satisfaction with resident presentations.