Residents’ perceptions of an integrated longitudinal curriculum: a qualitative study

Authors

  • Rebecca Lubitz Andrew Street Family Health Centre, Kitchener, Ontario
  • Joseph Lee Centre for Family Medicine McMaster University
  • Loretta Hillier Specialized Geriatric Services, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Aging, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Care Research Centre of the Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36727

Keywords:

Medical education, competency-based curriculum, family medicine

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore family medicine residents’ perceptions of a newly restructured integrated longitudinal curriculum.

Method: A purposeful sample of 16 family medicine residents participated in focus group interviews conducted from a grounded theory perspective to identify the characteristics of this training model that contribute to and that challenge learning.

Results:  Eight key themes were identified: continuity of care, relevance to family medicine, autonomy, program-focused preparation, professional development as facilitated by role modeling, patient volume, clarity of expectations for learners, and logistics. Positive learning experiences were marked by high levels of autonomy, continuity, and relevance to family medicine. Less favorable learning experiences were characterized by limited opportunities for continuity of care, limited relevance to family medicine practice and unclear expectations for the resident’s role. Family physician-led learning experiences contributed to residents’ understanding of the full scope of family medicine practice, more so than specialist-led experiences. The logistics of implementing the integrated block were challenging and negatively impacted continuity and learning.

Conclusions: This study suggests that an integrated longitudinalized family medicine block training model has the potential to support the principles of a longitudinal integrated competency-based curriculum to effectively prepare residents for family medicine practice.

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Author Biographies

Rebecca Lubitz, Andrew Street Family Health Centre, Kitchener, Ontario

Family Physician, Andrew Street Family Health Centre

Adjunct Professor, McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine

Joseph Lee, Centre for Family Medicine McMaster University

Chair and Lead Physician, Centre of Family Medicine

Adjunct Professor, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University

 

Loretta Hillier, Specialized Geriatric Services, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Aging, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Care Research Centre of the Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.

Research Associate, Specialized Geriatric Services, St. Joseph's Health Care London

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Published

2015-12-11

How to Cite

1.
Lubitz R, Lee J, Hillier L. Residents’ perceptions of an integrated longitudinal curriculum: a qualitative study. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2015 Dec. 11 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];6(2):e29-e40. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36727

Issue

Section

Original Research

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