Introduction and Objective: Cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases are prevalent among patients in family practice, yet primary care residents lack a specific curriculum on this new emerging topic. Addressing this gap and preventing practice inertia is crucial.
Methods: A prospective study compared two cohorts from family medicine residency programs with similar demographics, focusing on the effect of 25 one-hour CRM-focused lectures versus a standard curriculum. Lectures included Q&A sessions and case studies, delivered by specialists and residents. Using pre and post-questionnaires, the study primary endpoint aimed to determine the impact of an educational intervention on resident’s knowledge and patient care. The secondary endpoint aimed to determine the acceptance of the curriculum to drive future curricular changes and implementation.
Results: Analysis using a score-based model showed the intervention group improved significantly. Fisher's exact method was used in performing statistical analysis. The intervention group had a Total Pre-Score of 941 and a Total Post Score of 1258, an increase of 317 points. Important improvement scores rose by 25.2% (p-value 0.000), and overall positive response shifted by 33.4% (p-value 0.000) with 91.4% of respondents. Acceptance of the new curriculum was nearly 100%, indicating achievement of primary and secondary endpoints.
Conclusions: The study successfully met the primary and secondary endpoints. The curriculum significantly enhanced residents’ knowledge and confidence in managing CRM conditions, showing a preference for the new curriculum. This suggests potential benefits for patient outcomes and supports future curriculum implementation. The collaboration between programs promises to enhance education and patient care in primary care residents.
J.P. Pesqueira: None. P. Singh: None. M. Velez-Dalla Tor: None.
