Enhancing the teaching environment: 3-year follow-up of a resident-led residents-as-teachers program

Abstract

Background Previous faculty-driven residents-as-teachers (RAT) models have had limited efficacy and sustainability. Objective To evaluate the acceptability and effects of a resident-led RAT program on resident teaching. Methods In October 2016, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residents at a large academic institution implemented a residentled RAT program, consisting of a steering committee of peer-selected residents with 2 faculty mentors who planned educationfocused resident didactics and journal clubs, organized resident involvement in clerkship activities, and recognized residents who excelled in teaching as Distinguished Educators (DEs). From July 2016 through June 2019, using the Kirkpatrick Model, we evaluated the program with annual resident surveys assessing self-perception of 13 teaching skills (5-point Likert scale) and value of RAT program, institutional end-of-clerkship student evaluations of resident teaching, and resident participation in DE award. Results Annual resident survey response rates ranged from 63% to 88%. Residents’ self-reported teaching skills improved significantly in 11 of 13 domains from 2016 to 2018 (improvements ranging from 0.87–1.42; 5-point Likert scale; P