Background: OB/GYN programs rely on resident research projects for the ACGME scholarly requirements. Recently, ACGME has shifted to requesting better definitions/additional curriculums. This obligation shift represents a major change for residencies. The Six-Source Model of Influence (SSM) is a well-studied model for change based on Motivation and Ability of three forces: Personal, Social, and Structural. We established a team based resident research program using SSM. We then evaluated the success of our program.
Methods: We developed a resident research program over a seven year period in a OB/GYN resident program on probation in part due to lack of scholarly activities. Using SSM we identified personal motivation/ability, social motivation/ability, and structural motivation/ability factors for intervention. Personal motivation - research required for graduation. Personal ability- supported by monthly learning sessions. Learning topics included types of research studies, statistics, research design, and abstract/manuscript writing. Social Motivation and Social Ability were obtained by using a team research approach. Each team was comprised of a PGY1, 2, 3, and 4. Roles were delegated by year with team interaction and support. Structural Motivation - monetary rewards for project presentation and free trips if abstracts were accepted. Structural ability - designated research program director and support staff for statistics/project completion. Monthly sessions were built into academic schedule for group research. A designated resident research office was created.
Results: All 28 residents completed their projects on schedule. 8/28 residents went on to fellowship programs. 8/28 obtained positions in academic departments. 8 residents presented posters at national OB/GYN meetings including APGO, ACOG, CAOG, and SMFM. 4/28 residents gave oral presentations at one of these meetings. One resident was awarded the national ACOG prize for best resident research project.
Discussions: Resident research requirements are changing. Accepting that people do things for two reasons: motivation - because they want to, and ability - because they can, provides the basis for SSM. By applying these two reasons to the three forces of personal, social, and structural; a sound resident research model can be constructed. Our research presentations support SSM can produce positive, productive, and sustainable change.
Keywords: Curriculum Development/Evaluation, Instructional Materials/Methods, Research Methods
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2017, Residency Director, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME, Assessment, Team-Based Learning,
Nora Doyle, MD, MPH, MSc., McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston; Michael Gardner, MD,MPH,MMM
