Implementation of Health Systems Science Curriculum in Radiation Oncology Resident Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Systems Science (HSS)
• Radiation Oncology (RO)

Background:

• Healthcare Systems Science (HSS) is crucial for physicians to understand and improve healthcare delivery but is often missing from graduate medical training.
• Radiation oncology (RO) residents require specific training in HSS to navigate complex healthcare environments effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an HSS curriculum tailored for radiation oncology residents.
• To evaluate the impact of the HSS curriculum on residents' understanding, confidence, and satisfaction with HSS principles.

Main Methods:

• A 16-session, 10-month HSS curriculum was created, covering six domains: person-centered care, population-centered care, team-based care, high-value care, leadership, and health policy/economics/technology.
• Curriculum delivery involved lectures and case discussions on relevant topics like financial toxicity, telemedicine, and health equity.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys using 5-point Likert scales assessed resident understanding, consideration, confidence, and satisfaction with HSS.

Main Results:

• The curriculum was successfully integrated into the existing RO residency schedule with consistent resident and faculty participation.
• Post-curriculum surveys showed significant improvements in residents' understanding of HSS, incorporation of HSS into care planning, confidence in applying HSS principles, and satisfaction with HSS integration.

Conclusions:

• Integrating HSS into radiation oncology residency training is feasible and beneficial.
• The developed HSS curriculum effectively enhanced residents' knowledge, skills, and confidence in healthcare systems.
• This model can be adapted for HSS education in other medical residency programs.