To enhance resident education regarding quality improvement (QI).

At most academic medical centers, trainees are first-line for patient care and often most informed about systems- and process-based issues that impact patient safety and the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of medical care. To address a need within the Neurology residency at an academic medical center, a three-year QI curriculum incorporating didactics and experiential learning was developed.

Average scores (out of 5) from 13 respondents (100% response rate) prior to starting the QI curriculum were: 3.4 for having a good understanding of the role of QI in healthcare, 2.7 for comfort in developing a QI project, 2.5 for comfort in analyzing data, and 4.3 for relevance to current practice. Corresponding average scores (out of 5) from 12 respondents (92% response rate) after completing 1-2 years of the curriculum were: 4.5, 4.3, 4.1, and 4.9. Average score was 4.3 for achievement of course objectives.

After participating in a QI curriculum, Neurology residents reported a 22-31% increase in having a good understanding of the role of QI in healthcare and feeling comfortable developing a QI project and analyzing data. They also reported a 12% increase in the relevance of QI to their current practice. Implementation of a multi-pronged curriculum that spans residency is an effective method for teaching QI.