P025: Improving senior resident engagement at academic core rounds

Introduction: Royal College Emergency Medicine (EM) trainees at the University of Ottawa participate in weekly Academic Full Days (AFD) that consist of didactic activities, simulation-based learning, and core content sessions referred to as Core Rounds (CR). Despite CR being intentioned for all EM trainees, an attendance attrition has been noted as trainees progress towards their senior (SR) years (PGY3-5). The objectives of this study were to (1) identify barriers to SR trainee CR attendance and (2) identify areas for CR improvement. Methods: An on-line survey was administered to SR EM trainees (PGY3-5, n = 28) and recent graduates from our program (practice year 1-2, n = 20) to explore perceptions of the value of AFDs, CR attendance barriers, and areas for CR improvement. The survey consisted of 5-point Likert scales and free-text responses. Quantitative responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Each free-text response was reviewed independently by two investigators (JML, MCL) and underwent line-by-line coding. Through joint discussions, the codes from each response were synthesized and themes were identified. Results: Of the 48 trainees and attendings surveyed, 32 responded (response rate 67%). Most respondents (90%) stated they benefited from SR trainee attendance when they were at a junior (JR) level. The majority perceived they benefited less from CR as a SR trainee compared to when they were a JR trainee (85%). Further, 87% responded that CR were not tailored to a SR level, and that they would attend more frequently if sessions were geared to their level (81%). From our thematic analysis, three themes emerged relating to SR trainee absenteeism: 1) CR quality, 2) External Factors (eg. trainee fatigue) and 3) Malalignment with trainees’ own education plan. We also identified three themes relating to areas for CR improvement: 1) CR content, 2) CR format and 3) SR trainee involvement. Conclusion: Respondents indicated a benefit to having SR trainee presence at CR. This study identified barriers to SR resident attendance at CR and areas for improvement. With the transition to competency based medical education it is critical that trainees engage in effective educational experiences, especially as the RCPSC does not mandate AFDs for EM training in this new curriculum. A culture-change initiative and CR reformat is now underway at our institution with planned post-implementation analysis.