Competency in musculoskeletal and sports medicine: evaluating a PGY-1 curriculum

Abstract

Background and objectives: The introduction of a prescribed curriculum and a clinical rotation in the PGY-1 year of family medicine training can enhance learning in musculoskeletal and sports medicine. Combining learning experiences in sports medicine and musculoskeletal medicine in the early stages of training establishes a base to master the required competencies by the completion of the training program.

Methods: All PGY-1 residents from 2006 to 2009 were assigned to a clinical rotation in sports medicine. Pretest and posttest were used to assess medical knowledge. The overall learning experiences were measured by the performance analysis by the resident for the rotation.

Results: The mean score for pretest was 51.9 (standard deviation [SD]=10.3), while the mean score for posttest was 63 (SD=7.2). Paired t tests were performed for posttest scores and pretest scores, stratified by year/gender. Overall or stratified by year, there is a significant difference between posttest and pretest scores. Across all 3 years, the mean score increase is 12.4, with 95% confidence interval (9.1, 15.7). Average performance analysis rated by the residents was 4.65 on a scale of 5.

Conclusions: PGY-1 prescribed curriculum provides significant improvement in basic medical knowledge in musculoskeletal medicine, launches the learner toward the goal of competency, and fosters an appreciation for the role of musculoskeletal medicine in the practice of family medicine.