The evaluation of a training program for improving residents' teaching skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Training
• Instructional Skills Development

Background:

• Growing need for improved medical instructional practices.
• Importance of effective teaching skills for resident physicians.
• Lack of structured training programs for physician educators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a teaching skills training program for resident physicians.
• To assess the impact of the program on teaching performance and attitudes.
• To determine the efficacy of short-term training in medical education.

Main Methods:

• A 13-week, small-group training program utilizing the microteaching method.
• Involved 20 resident physicians from East Tennessee State University College of Medicine.
• Evaluated using videotaped teaching performances and a written questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Significant gains in resident physicians' teaching performance were observed.
• Demonstrated significant positive changes in attitude toward teaching skills programs.
• Microteaching effectively enhanced instructional techniques.

Conclusions:

• Short training programs are effective in improving physician instructional skills.
• Medical schools should consider implementing similar teaching skills development programs.
• Enhanced teaching abilities contribute to better medical education outcomes.