Biopsychosocial formulation: recognizing educational shortcomings.
OBJECTIVE
Since Engel introduced the biopsychosocial model, it has been extensively examined. The authors expect psychiatrists to formulate cases using the biopsychosocial model. However, resident psychiatrists' ability to generate formulations using this model has received little attention.


METHODS
The authors evaluated resident biopsychosocial formulations using biopsychosocial scores from trained, blinded raters across four institutions. Second, the authors determined if an intervention could improve biopsychosocial formulation.


METHODS
This study included non-experimental and pre-post components using resident portfolio scores to measure biopsychosocial.


METHODS
Residents from four postgraduate years (PGY) in four different programs participated. In one institution, faculty made a concerted effort to improve biopsychosocial formulation. There were 33 entries in 2000-2001 and 46 entries in 2001-2002.


RESULTS
Using the combined data from all institutions, no PGY level averaged a rating of 3.0 (competent) in either year. In the institution implementing an intervention, a significant improvement was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study indicates that we can improve resident competency in this area.
Central Arkansas Veteran's Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA. Tina.McClain@med.va.gov
Tina
T
McClain
Patricia S
PS
O'Sullivan
James A
JA
Clardy
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008954:Models, Biological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education*; D012107:Research Design; D012931:Social Environment