A Standard Approach to Project-Based Learning in a Clinical Informatics Fellowship

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Graduate Medical Education
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates broad skills for Clinical Informatics (CI) fellowships, including collaboration and project management.
• Current fellowship guidelines lack specific methods for achieving these essential learning objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a standardized project-based learning (PBL) methodology for CI fellowship programs.
• To detail the implementation of this PBL approach.
• To discuss the outcomes and lessons learned from its application.

Main Methods:

• Developed a PBL approach integrating adult learning theory, project life cycle, Toyota Production System, and Improvement Science.
• Focused on supporting fellows in needs assessment, risk/change management, implementation, and evaluation.
• Emphasized developing skills in collaboration, leadership, and time management/managing up.

Main Results:

• Fellows gained proficiency in project management, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• The standardized approach, combined with targeted project selection, enabled fellows to achieve independent practice within 15-21 months.
• Identified the need for specific training in collaboration, leadership, and managing up.

Conclusions:

• Project-based learning inherently supports CI learning objectives and reinforces project management training.
• Fellows' availability and protected time make them ideal for leading projects, enhancing organizational priorities.
• This approach equips fellows with practical informatics knowledge and a marketable project portfolio for future careers.