Development and evaluation of a coordinated, ambulatory rheumatology experience for internal medicine residents.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a compulsory ambulatory rotation in rheumatology for internal medicine residents and to evaluate the educational effect of this rotation.


METHODS
All year 2 residents in the program participated in the rotation. The perceived quality of the learning experience was assessed by resident self-evaluation using a visual analog scale. Residents used a similar scale to rate their confidence in managing common rheumatologic problems. A validated multiple choice test was used to measure pre- and post-rotation knowledge of rheumatology and skill in interpreting bone radiographs.


RESULTS
On a 1 (no learning) to 5 (superior learning) scale, the mean rating of the rheumatology learning experience was 4.7 +/- 0.5. Residents' confidence in clinical skills significantly increased as well. Scores on the post-rotation rheumatology knowledge test increased 15% compared with pre-rotation scores (P < 0.0001). Confidence and skills in interpreting bone radiology films also significantly improved (P < 0.0001 for both items).


CONCLUSIONS
A relatively brief, subspecialty ambulatory rotation can be developed to expose all residents to a rheumatology curriculum. Such a rotation can increase their confidence, knowledge, and skills in important domains of outpatient rheumatology.
Hellmann
D B
DB
Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Flynn
J A
JA
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires