Development and evaluation of a coordinated, ambulatory rheumatology experience for internal medicine residents.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a compulsory ambulatory rotation in rheumatology for internal medicine residents and to evaluate the educational effect of this rotation.

METHOD: All year 2 residents in the program participated in the rotation. The perceived quality of the learning experience was assessed by resident self-evaluation using a visual analog scale. Residents used a similar scale to rate their confidence in managing common rheumatologic problems. A validated multiple choice test was used to measure pre- and post-rotation knowledge of rheumatology and skill in interpreting bone radiographs.

RESULTS: On a 1 (no learning) to 5 (superior learning) scale, the mean rating of the rheumatology learning experience was 4.7 +/- 0.5. Residents' confidence in clinical skills significantly increased as well. Scores on the post-rotation rheumatology knowledge test increased 15% compared with pre-rotation scores (P < 0.0001). Confidence and skills in interpreting bone radiology films also significantly improved (P < 0.0001 for both items).

CONCLUSION: A relatively brief, subspecialty ambulatory rotation can be developed to expose all residents to a rheumatology curriculum. Such a rotation can increase their confidence, knowledge, and skills in important domains of outpatient rheumatology.