Integrating a Project-Based Learning Methodology into a Department-Wide Quality Improvement Curriculum: A Nine-Year...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Pediatric Subspecialties

Background:

• Quality Improvement (QI) training is crucial for subspecialty fellows but often fragmented.
• Current QI training lacks standardized methodologies across departments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a QI curriculum for pediatric subspecialty fellows using project-based learning (PjBL).
• To integrate the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement with PjBL.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development integrating IHI Model for Improvement with PjBL's six key features.
• Workshops followed by application of QI knowledge to clinical problems via fellow-led projects.
• Evaluation focused on project sustainability and scholarly output.

Main Results:

• 487 fellows participated in 106 QI projects between 2014-2023.
• 75% of projects sustained over 6 months; 61% sustained over 1 year.
• 21 projects resulted in 30 abstracts/posters; 6 projects published.

Conclusions:

• PjBL provides practical, hands-on learning for fellows in QI.
• The integrated curriculum fostered sustainable QI projects aligned with clinical practice.
• This methodology enhances graduate medical education in healthcare quality improvement.