(Research Hub Theater) PM&R Resident Knowledge About Resources for Studying

Background and/or Objectives: As physiatry and technology grow, so do the number of resources available to physiatry trainees preparing for board certification and clinical practice. Through feedback on didactic sessions, residents wanted more guidance on resources for studying and board preparation. It was clear that residents are unaware of the resources available and how to find them. While many physiatry and subspecialty organizations have some listed study resources, there is no comprehensive list nor formal communication of such information to this residency program’s trainees.

Design: During dedicated didactic time, an oral survey of yes/no questions administered to residents before and after an active learning session.

Setting: Academic medical center

Participants: 10 second through fourth year Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residents

Interventions: 30-minute active learning session facilitated by early career faculty member during protected didactics time half-way through the academic year. A pre-session survey gauged residents’ familiarity with ABPMR, finding accurate physiatry board exam information, free resources for studying physiatry topics, and confidence in preparing for PM&R boards. The survey was readministered post-intervention.

Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome in this quality improvement project is if residents’ knowledge of resources for studying physiatry changed. Secondary objectives included if there was improved understand of what they need to study, where to find that information, and their confidence in using that information to prepare for boards exams.

Results: Post-session, the percentages of residents familiar with finding accurate PM&R board exam information (pre-survey 40%), free studying resources (50%), and knowledge of ABPMR (70%) all increased to 100%. Confidence in studying for physiatry boards (50%) improved to 90%.

Conclusions: PM&R residents of all years are unfamiliar with many of the resources available to assist with their education. This deficit can be greatly improved after 30 minutes of active learning about free and purchasable resources of different studying modalities, leading to bolstered resident confidence in preparing for board certification.