Db. Hellmann et Ja. Flynn, Development and evaluation of a coordinated, ambulatory rheumatology experience for internal medicine residents, ARTH C RES, 12(5), 1999, pp. 325-330
Objective. To develop a compulsory ambulatory rotation in rheumatology for
internal medicine residents and to evaluate the educational effect of this
rotation.
Method. All year 2 residents in the program participated in the rotation. T
he perceived quality of the learning experience was assessed by resident se
lf-evaluation using a visual analog scale. Residents used a similar scale t
o rate their confidence in managing common rheumatologic problems. A valida
ted multiple choice test was used to measure pre- and post-rotation knowled
ge of rheumatology and skill in interpreting bone radiographs.
Results. On a 1 (no learning) to 5 (superior learning) scale, the mean rati
ng of the rheumatology learning experience was 4.7 +/- 0.5. Residents' conf
idence in clinical skills significantly increased as well. Scores on the po
st-rotation rheumatology knowledge test increased 15% compared with pre-rot
ation scores (P < 0.0001) Confidence and skills in interpreting bone radiol
ogy films also significantly improved (P < 0.0002 for both items).
Conclusion. A relatively brief, subspecialty ambulatory rotation can be dev
eloped to expose all residents to a rheumatology curriculum. Such a rotatio
n can increase their confidence, knowledge, and skills in important domains
of outpatient rheumatology.