Strategies for improving attendance at medical grand rounds at an academic medical center.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate, in this before-and-after study, the results of 5 strategies for improving attendance at medical grand rounds at a tertiary care academic medical center.


METHODS
The strategies included (1) using electronic card readers to improve understanding of attendance patterns, (2) conducting yearly needs assessment surveys, (3) developing sessions of topical interest, (4) increasing formal participation by residents and faculty researchers, and (5) enhancing publicity. Attendance at medical grand rounds by Mayo Clinic faculty, fellows, residents, and others was measured by card readers between 1998 and 2001.


RESULTS
After implementation of the 5 strategies, the mean +/- SD attendance (as measured by card readers) at medical grand rounds increased 39% from 99.0 +/- 24.6 persons in 1998 to 137.4 +/- 25.2 persons in 2001 (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
An organized effort can improve attendance at medical grand rounds at an academic medical center.
Mueller
Paul S
PS
Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Litin
Scott C
SC
Sowden
Monica L
ML
Habermann
Thomas M
TM
LaRusso
Nicholas F
NF
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000193:education*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D008910:Minnesota; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014481:United States