How well are practice management curricula preparing family medicine residents?

BACKGROUND

While emphasis has been placed on practice management curricula in residency, studies indicate that residents are not adequately prepared. To assess the effectiveness of current practice management skills training in residency, we examined the confidence levels of family medicine residents and recent graduates in practice management skills.

METHODS

A survey was sent to family medicine residency programs within South Carolina. Participants ranked their confidence level in 13 practice management skills on a 5-point Likert scale. Analysis of covariance compared confidence levels in their skills while controlling for program, gender, and age. Residency directors of these programs were also surveyed about the content of their practice management programs.

RESULTS

Residents and graduates rated their confidence in all areas moderately high. Graduates rated themselves significantly more confident than residents did in seven practice management skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Family medicine practice management curricula appear to be effective in establishing confidence regarding practice management skills in residents and recent graduates.