Optimizing Outpatient Resident Education Through Precepting Microskills: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Family Medicine
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Continuity clinics are vital for family medicine residency training.
• The dynamic clinic environment often restricts formal teaching opportunities.
• Effective precepting skills are crucial for resident development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a resident-faculty workshop on precepting microskills.
• To assess the effectiveness of the 'One Minute Preceptor' model in a single educational session.
• To improve the systematic method of precepting in family medicine.

Main Methods:

• A 45-minute workshop was delivered to residents and faculty.
• Pre- and post-assessments measured changes in five core precepting microskills.
• Independent T-tests analyzed statistical significance of skill improvement.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in 'getting a commitment' from learners post-intervention.
• Four other microskills demonstrated numerical improvements but did not reach statistical significance.
• The workshop positively impacted at least one core precepting skill.

Conclusions:

• A brief, targeted workshop can effectively enhance outpatient precepting skills.
• The 'One Minute Preceptor' model shows promise for improving clinical teaching.
• Further research may explore sustained effects and broader skill development.