An Innovative Shared Decision-Making Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents: Findings from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Abstract

Purpose Shared decision making (SDM) is a core competency in health policy and guidelines. Most U.S. Internal medicine residencies lack an SDM education curriculum. A standardized patient (SP)-based curriculum teaching key concepts and skills of SDM was developed. Method This curriculum consisted of an innovative seven-step SDM model and a skills-focused SP case, integrated into the ambulatory rotation for senior medicine residents at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2015. Evaluation consisted of pre/postcurriculum surveys assessing residents' knowledge of and attitudes toward SDM. Skills development was assessed via pre/postcurricular audio recordings of clinical decision making. Results Thirty-six residents completed the curriculum (survey participation rate 88%). There was significant improvement in residents' knowledge (median score pre 75%, post 100%, P