Structured journal club as a tool to teach and assess resident competence in practice-based learning and improvement.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of the journal club as a tool to teach and assess competency in practice-based learning (PBL) and improvement among residents in ophthalmology.


METHODS
Interventional case series.


METHODS
Ophthalmology residents.


METHODS
Three academic ophthalmology residency programs in the United States.


METHODS
A survey was performed of self-assessed skills in PBL among residents in ophthalmology training before and after the implementation of a structured review checklist during a traditional resident journal club. The survey had 5 domains, including (A) appraise and assimilate evidence, (B) read a journal article critically, (C) use a systematic and standardized checklist, (D) apply knowledge of study designs and statistical methods, and (E) maintain a self-documented written record of compliance. The respondents scored their ability (range, 1-5).


RESULTS
The use of a structured journal club tool was associated with a statistically significant improvement in self-assessed ability in all 5 domains.


CONCLUSIONS
Although validity, reliability, and long-term efficacy studies are necessary, the structured journal club is one method of teaching and assessing resident competency in PBL and improvement.
Lee
Andrew G
AG
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. andrew-lee@uiowa.edu
Boldt
H Culver
HC
Golnik
Karl C
KC
Arnold
Anthony C
AC
Oetting
Thomas A
TA
Beaver
Hilary A
HA
Olson
Richard J
RJ
Zimmerman
M Bridget
MB
Carter
Keith
K
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results