SUMMARY:
Quality Improvement (QI) is a core component of the Family Medicine residency training program. A QI project is a mandatory component of their InQuiry curriculum that the residents may complete. However, clinical work and tutors play a key role in promoting QI learning amongst residents. Role modelling is essential, as learners are more likely to emulate what they directly observe. Clinical preceptors can adopt an overall “spirit of inquiry” and a commitment to continuous improvement by encouraging “big picture” patient care focused questions such as “How well are we doing? What are we doing well? Where can we improve?”
Take Away Tidbits:
Faculty can play a pivotal role in helping residents develop their QI skills by:
- Expressing an interest and help explore and develop their QI topic
- Asking questions and encouraging them in their QI project
- Modelling QI in practice
Links to Resources:
- InQuiry Curriculum: https://www.medportal.ca/pg/program/family-medicine/inquiry
- InQuIRe Handbook: Integrated QI in Residency Family Medicine – https://www.medportal.ca/sf-docs/default-source/postgrad/pg-family-medicine/inquire-fm-handbook-(final).pdf?sfvrsn=5dfa194f_0
- QI resources, faculty portal https://mcmasteru365.sharepoint.com/sites/FacultyRelations2/SitePages/Inquiry-Tutor-Resources.aspx?CT=1664917508439&OR=OWA-NT&CID=5c5a6485-fdd3-0c84-5611-ebfde974b37c
- CFPC Guide to Integrating QI into Family Medicine Residency Programs: https://www.cfpc.ca/CFPC/media/Resources/Health-Policy/RES_QI-Guide_ENG_final_REM.pdf