Mount Carmel Health, Columbus, OH
Quality and Safety: Building the Culture

Abstract

Background: Per ACGME requirements, our goal was to produce a comprehensive Q&S curriculum for PGY1 residents, implement the curriculum, and develop at least 2 teams of residents, faculty, CME physicians, and Q&S representatives working on a systemwide Q&S project.

Methods: PGY1 residents use IHI Open School techniques to develop their own Q&S project with the support of GME faculty and system leaders. The residents implement the designed project in their second year of training. They gather outcome measures during the third year; the process culminates in a multidisciplinary systemwide formal presentation of their project. Residents are strongly encouraged to author 1 or more peer-reviewed manuscripts at the conclusion of the process.

Results: We measured progress by tracking IHI Open School completion and the establishment of 3 active teams developing Q&S projects via Open School techniques, including PDSA cycles and evaluation methods. The most successful components of our work were the implementation of the curriculum, the buy-in from residents recognizing the need for quality patient care, and the level of Q&S and faculty support. The long-term results of curriculum implementation (to be repeated with each incoming intern class) remain to be seen; Q&S impact will be determined over the next 2 years. This project meets the ACGME requirement of integrating Q&S into the curriculum. The curriculum crossed all programs within GME.

Conclusions: A formal Q&S curriculum enriches teaching skills and improves methods in the field of Q&S. We believe this curriculum will lead to positive reviews and continued full accreditation by the ACGME for both the institution and our individual programs.