The implementation of a practice management programme for family medicine residents in Qatar

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of introducing a full five-day practice management (PM) training workshop based on selected Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies; professionalism, interpersonal and communication skills, practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI), and system-based practice. Methods: The study used pre-post study design. A total of 39 family medicine residents in Qatar were included in this study. The outcomes of interest were the level of change in the selected ACGME competencies. Pre-vs. post-workshop scores as well as change in scores of quarterly formative assessment were analysed using paired T-test. Results: The overall improvement in post-programme scores compared to pre-programme scores was 9.8% (p-value < 0.001). The PGY1 Group showed the most significant improvement with a score difference of 18.6% (p-value < 0.001). In self-assessment of skills, the main improvement was in writing objectives and time management skills (p-value < 0.001). The residents showed greater improvements in scores related to communication skills specifically in communicating effectively with patients (p-value = 0.032) as well as in specified skills among system-based practices; specifically in effectively using health resources (p-value < 0.001) and in co-ordinating patient care (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Implementing a full five-days PM training workshop had resulted in moderate improvements in residents' score in selected ACGME competencies. A longer study on whether the effects of the programme on residents' sustained performance and applicability in practice is required.