Teaching residents about patient and practice termination in community-based continuity settings

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Residency Training
• Continuity of Care

Background:

• Pediatric residency programs increasingly utilize community practices for continuity experiences.
• Residents build significant relationships with patients, preceptors, and office staff during their training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline an educational program designed to manage the complexities of residency termination.
• To address emotional and logistical challenges faced by residents, patients, and staff during practice transitions.

Main Methods:

• A four-component educational program was implemented, including seminars, a mini-block rotation, office staff engagement, and a resident-preceptor dinner.
• The program focused on patient-provider relationships, patient notification, and resident attachment to the practice.

Main Results:

• Key themes included identifying new healthcare providers for patients, managing patient attachment, and informing parents about resident departures.
• Residents expressed a desire for patient follow-up and highlighted the importance of addressing emotional attachments to patients, preceptors, and staff.
• Termination sessions were found to be affirming experiences for residents.

Conclusions:

• The residency termination process, while potentially challenging, offers significant personal and educational value to residents.
• Effective management of termination issues can enhance the overall residency training experience.