Purpose: To incorporate design thinking methods in quality improvement curricula to generate impactful patient interventions and enhance resident satisfaction.
Background: Incorporating a meaningful quality improvement (QI) experience into an already overloaded residency training program is challenging. We applied the principles of design thinking to a QI curriculum to inspire residents (“users”) to develop patient-centered QI projects.
Methods: Starting in 2017, residents at an academic medical center were introduced to QI grounded in the Model for Improvement. The experiential component was implemented using a five phase Design Thinking process (Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test). Data were obtained from ACGME surveys and patient outcomes. Chi square was used to compare yearly trends in resident satisfaction; patient outcomes were analyzed using an independent t test. P< 0.05 was significant.
Results: Since introduction of the QI curriculum, we have had 100% resident involvement (increase from 83%, P< .05 ) and collaboratively generated QI interventions that improved patient outcomes and enhanced resident engagement. One initiative increased postpartum visit adherence in a high-risk population from 21% to 63% (P< .01). An initiative addressing prenatal tobacco use in resident clinics produced a state-funded $53,000 grant to screen and treat pregnant smokers. Overall satisfaction with the residency increased by 64% between 2017-2019 (P< .05)
Discussions: Design thinking can be integrated into graduate medical education. Although this curriculum was initially implemented to meet ACGME QI project requirements, we found that a design thinking approach empowers residents with the knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills to design impactful QI initiatives while simultaneously enhancing resident wellbeing.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Quality & Safety, Public Health, Advocacy, General Ob-Gyn,
Rebecca Parad, MD; University of Vermont Medical Center; Stephanie Mann, MD; University of Toledo
