Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Objectives

Good internists are expected to be intellectually curious. They should use patient care experiences, reading and evidence-based medicine as a foundation for practice improvement and lifelong learning.

Residents should understand the limits of their knowledge and experience and ask for help when needed.

Self-improvement comes from regular assessments of all competencies and receiving balanced and honest feedback.

PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT OBJECTIVES, residents will:

PGY-l

1. Show motivation to learn.
2. Use medical literature to support decision-making.
3. Begin skills of:
   • Asking relevant and accurate clinical questions.
   • Understanding the difference between background and foreground information.
   • Efficiently using technology to access the medical literature.
4. Participate in best-case practice project each year. The goal is to assess the quality of patient care and to effect continuous quality improvement in the outpatient clinics.
5. Perform periodic chart audits to review quality of documentation in patient care and outcomes.
6. Participate in videotaped encounters as communicator and educator (for the purpose of continuous quality improvement as a teacher and with patient communications. This is done each year to track improvement).

B. PGY-2

In addition to the above noted objectives PGY-2 residents will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding and use of an evidenced-based medicine approach in providing patient care.
2. Teach colleagues and students how to research relevant literature.
3. Participate in "PICO" projects monthly while on ward rotations.
4. Display self-initiative to stay current with new medical knowledge.
5. Use consult time to practice integrating evidenced-based medicine with expert opinion and professional judgment.

PGY-3

In addition to the above noted objectives PGY-3 residents will:

1. Apply knowledge of study design and statistics to relevant literature.
2. Present a thoroughly researched didactic presentation that demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of a clinical topic of their choosing.
3. Show mastery of the use of technology and its applications to patient care, acquisition of medical knowledge and educational presentations.