Effecting the sixth core competency: a project-based curriculum

OBJECTIVE: In agreement with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines, a systems-based practice (SBP) curriculum was implemented to provide a hands-on, team-based experience, while providing an opportunity to contribute to quality improvement, and to develop a method to assess residents' understanding of SBP. STUDY DESIGN: During departmental conferences, issues affecting our health care operations were identified. Seven teams were formed and the actionable items were investigated. The salient issues and potential solutions were presented to the department. RESULTS: This project resulted in the development of tools designed to assess competency in SBP, communication skills, and professionalism. Completion of a pre-and posttest and annual oral examination questions revealed a significant improvement in the comprehension of SBP. CONCLUSION: This project served as an effective educational forum for the competencies of SBP, communication skills, and professionalism. This initiative also offered improvement of patient care and/or educating peer providers, thereby fulfilling the goal of SBP in the process of education.