During uncertainty, 6 free modules can keep residents on track

Residents and residency program directors have concerns about their training during the COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing guidelines in place and patient surges in certain areas overwhelming trainees and faculty members, didactic learning has been changed or put on hold.

With prepackaged, practical lessons available on demand, the AMA’s GME Competency Education Program is a vehicle through which residents and residency programs can continue to meet educational objectives. Through September 2020, six modules have been made available to residency institutions free of charge. For residency programs that offer the modules to trainees, the program offers the ability to track residents’ progress on each topic covered.

“The American Medical Association is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the physician workforce—both present and future—is equipped with the skills and education necessary to meet our nation’s rapidly changing health care needs,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA. “The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted medical education for students, residents and educators, and the AMA is working to fill gaps by offering free access to content, tools and resources that will ensure a well-trained physician workforce of the future.”

On-demand learning

With contributions by subject-matter experts from around the country, modules in the GME Competency Education Program, aim to help residents fulfill core-competency requirements necessary to complete training.

The award-winning program provides a superior, engaging educational experience for residents and simple dashboards and reporting to help staff easily manage residents’ progress. The GME Competency Education Program modules being made available to residents and programs cover topics relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The available course are:

1. Creating an effective and respectful learning environment

   1. Residents serve as both teachers and learners in a medical education setting, meaning they share in the responsibility of creating an effective and respectful learning environment. How does that role play out over a resident’s training?

2. Physician health: Physicians caring for ourselves

   1. The excellent care that patients expect at teaching hospitals should not come with risk to the well-being of the medical residents who do so much to provide it. The reality is that harmful stress while in training is common. There are techniques to cope when stress threatens to take over your life.

3. Working effectively within an interprofessional team

   1. A successful interprofessional team can improve patient care and the health care processes at the system level. Ensuring high-quality, efficient care in interprofessional teams requires defined roles and leadership.

4. Patient safety

   1. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America. Giving medical residents a better understanding of this vital topic is vital in helping to prevent adverse patient safety incidents.

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5. End-of-life care

   1. A difficult and emotional topic, particularly in the moment, an understanding of end-of-life care and family dynamics is requisite for physicians when it comes to determining the best course of treatment.

6. Patient handoffs

   1. A handoff is an opportunity for a patient to continue to receive quality care but also a time with high risk for errors. What are the keys to a successful patient handoff?

Visit the AMA GME Competency Education Program for more information on all available offerings or to request a demo.