Internal medicine residents' acceptance of self-directed learning plans at the point of care.

OBJECTIVES: We implemented a curriculum using self-directed learning plans (SDLPs) based on clinical questions arising from the residents' practice, and we report on perceptions and attitudes from residents in internal medicine regarding the use of SDLPs conceived at point of care.

METHODS: Internal medicine residents at a single community hospital in the Midwest were surveyed in 2006 regarding SDLPs. We report their perceived effectiveness in identifying knowledge gaps, the processes used to fill those gaps, and the resident outcomes using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 26 out of 37 residents (70%) responded. Most (24 of 26; 92%) perceived SDLPs helped them to identify and fill knowledge gaps and that their skills in framing questions (23 of 26; 88%), identifying resources (21 of 26; 81%), and critically appraising the evidence (20 of 26; 77%) improved through regular use. They also felt these plans led to a meaningful change in their practice or provided further direction for learning (17 of 26; 65%). Most (21 of 26; 81%) reported their intent to include point-of-care learning in their continuing education after residency. We found no significant differences in the responses of first-year compared with second- or third-year residents.

CONCLUSIONS: Questions arising during patient care are strong motivators for physician self-directed learning. The residents' responses indicated that they accepted the SDLPs and intend to use them in practice. Embedding the discussion of the SDLPs in preclinic conferences has ensured sustainability during the past 5 years and has enabled us to demonstrate teaching of practice-based learning and improvement.