SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Evolution of a Residency Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Through the Covid-19 Pandemic

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison Internal Medicine residency redesigned its Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic after in-person lectures and workshops were disrupted. The goal was to ensure residents continued to build core EBM competencies aligned with the ACGME PBLI 1 milestone, while also expanding opportunities to demonstrate higher-level skills.<br /><br />Before the pandemic, the curriculum relied on faculty-led didactics, journal clubs, workshops, grand rounds systematic reviews, and independent study across PGY1–PGY3. After June 2021, the program replaced many in-person teaching sessions with seven asynchronous online modules featuring 5–10 minute videos created by residents, fellows, and faculty. PGY2 residents were given protected time to complete the modules, though all residents could access them throughout training.<br /><br />The curriculum also introduced an Evidence-Based Clinical Practice (EBCP) exercise, in which residents identify a clinical question, complete the EBM process, and present their findings to an attending during outpatient clinic. A summary of each exercise is then shared with the residency via a biweekly “EBM Corner” email. Journal clubs and advances sessions were continued with modifications.<br /><br />Early evaluation suggested the online curriculum improved resident confidence in EBM skills, and Fresno Test scores increased from a mean of 107.2 pre-intervention to 128.1 post-intervention, though this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.13). The authors conclude that asynchronous modules are an effective way to teach foundational EBM concepts, while the EBCP exercise is a feasible method to assess and reinforce higher-level application skills in clinical settings. Future plans include adding interactive practice, advanced workshops, and broader assessment across rotations.

Asset Subtitle

Sean O'Neill

Meta Tag

Author List Hannah Bell, Lauren Banaszak, Sean O'Neill

Category Innovations

Concept Evidence-Based Medicine

Concept ACGME PBLI 1

Concept Residency Training

Concept Asynchronous Module

Concept Database Search Strategy

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Wisconsin-Madison

Presenting Author Sean O'Neill

Track Education

Keywords

Evidence-Based Medicine

EBM curriculum

Internal Medicine residency

University of Wisconsin-Madison

COVID-19 pandemic

asynchronous online modules

ACGME PBLI 1

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice

Fresno Test

resident education

Evidence-Based Medicine

ACGME PBLI 1

Residency Training

Asynchronous Module

Database Search Strategy