Quality Improvement Education and Participation in Urology Residence Programs: Preliminary Survey Results of Program Directors

Ziemba JB, Matlaga BR, Tessier C. Quality Improvement Education and Participation in Urology Residence Programs: Preliminary Survey Results of Program Directors. [Abstract]. The Journal of urology. 2017 May 15; 197(4s):e1131.

A key physician competency outlined in the Urology Milestone project is engagement in quality improvement (QI). Despite this mandate, little is known about the attitudes of urology residency program directors (PDs) regarding the relative importance of QI education. Therefore, we performed a national survey of PDs. Methods A 25-item survey was developed to investigate PD knowledge and training in QI methodology, participation in QI related activities, curriculum support for resident QI educational activities, and attitudes regarding the relative importance of QI education. The survey was sent via email (11/1/2016) to all PDs affiliated with the Society of Academic Urologists (n = 116/134; 87% of ACGME programs). Results A total of 36 PDs returned a completed survey for a response rate of 31% (36/116). Only 22% (8/36) of PDs reported receiving formal education or training in QI methodology. A total of 44% (16/36) of PDs reported that their program offers formal education or a curriculum in QI methodology for their trainees. PDs expressed a strong desire for residents to learn QI methodology (positive response, 32/36; 89%) and understand how to apply it to conduct a QI project (positive response, 30/35; 86%). PDs strongly believe that a urology-oriented QI curriculum would be a valuable resource (positive response, 31/36; 86%) with a need for support from our professional society (positive response, 29/36; 81%). Conclusion A minority of programs have QI education available for residents. However, PDs agree that QI is an integral part of residency training, which should be promoted by our profession.