Abstract
BACKGROUND: Providing a robust continuity clinic experience is difficult due to uneven distribution of resident time. Immersion experiences early in training may improve residents' learning experiences. OBJECTIVE: We designed and implemented a continuity immersion experience to improve internal medicine interns' satisfaction and confidence with their outpatient skills, and we evaluated the timing of the experience and its benefits for learners. METHODS: Two cohorts of interns at 1 academic institution participated in a 3-week immersion block (during the first or second quarter of the intern year). Interns were surveyed twice about satisfaction and confidence. Analysis included independent and paired sample t tests to compare interns' responses pre- and postimmersion, and to evaluate effects over time. RESULTS: A total of 124 interns completed the immersion, with a survey response rate of 61%. Interns' self-rated confidence on a 5-point Likert scale improved significantly compared with preimmersion in the areas of medical knowledge and confidence with their electronic health record and communication skills (P ≤ .010 for all assessments). Interns reported high satisfaction with continuity clinic following immersion (cohort 1: 4.5 ± 0.54; cohort 2: 4.3 ± 0.68; on a 5-point scale with 5 = very satisfied). Improvements in knowledge, skills, and satisfaction in cohort 1 were sustained over 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-week immersion experience in the first 6 months of residency improved interns' confidence in ambulatory content areas and satisfaction with clinic.