Practical Tips for Teaching Postgraduate Residents Continuous Quality Improvement

ABSTRACT

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) in health care involves changes that result in better clinical and process outcomes. Accreditation bodies are mandating postgraduate educational programs to teach CQI among residents, although their baseline knowledge and experience vary tremendously. There is no single effective method to teach CQI.

To develop a comprehensive CQI curriculum for residents. Work Done: This article describes the experiences of developing a CQI curriculum for trainees working in the university internal medicine residency program in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We report the key elements for other educational programs interested in developing similar curricula.

A formal CQI curriculum that teaches basic theory and includes an independent, focused project is a useful model, and broad dissemination is advisable. There should be protected time for teaching and learning, using interactive and case-based methodology. Communication and collaboration skills can be emphasized. Longitudinal and face to face mentoring are helpful. An open forum on CQI can raise awareness, and a separate assessment and reward system can motivate residents. Further training opportunities for faculty and interested residents should be available. Hospital staff and departmental support is essential. The CQI curriculum needs to undergo continuous improvement itself.