Recommended Citation
Simpson D, Bidwell J, La Fratta T, et al. Ascertaining the Value of GME's Participation in AIAMC National Quality Initiatives. Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Abstract
Background/Significance:
The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires GME learners/faculty to engage in quality improvement (QI) in education and clinical care. To support this QI, the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) launched 18-month national initiatives (NIs), each with a unique focus. Aurora Health Care’s GME programs have successfully completed multiple NIs, which are time/resource intensive. Yet no systematic assessment of their overall value (e.g. percent of projects that achieve aims, project alignment with ACGME requirements, lessons learned) has been done.
Purpose:
To determine the value (return on investment [ROI]) of Aurora’s AIAMC NI participation to inform Advocate Health’s (AH) multiple GME institutions’ future NI participation.
Methods:
AIAMC required final reports for five Aurora NIs (which includes multiple projects/NIs) across 10 years were analyzed. A coding sheet based on the common AIAMC final report elements consistent with QI efforts (e.g., degree to which projects achieved their aims, barriers, success elements, lessons learned) and ACGME items (e.g., number of project team members, recognition, scholarly activity) was created. All project reports were coded yielding descriptive statistics; narrative responses were analyzed to identify common themes across projects and initiatives.
Results:
Aurora participated in 22 unique NI projects over the last five NIs, involving 114 participants (54% residents/fellows, 18% faculty, 23% academic affairs, 23% others). Projects were either residency/fellowship-specific or GME-wide. Over 90% met their aims, except during the pandemic. Success stemmed from alignment with AH’s priorities and ACGME requirements. Recognized projects within AH included early pilots (e.g., well-being, expanded diversity data) and system product rollouts (e.g., residency clinic selected for online advance directive software; HTN control in underserved). Many projects earned national awards (2) or recognition (9). Key lessons: be agile, patient, and persistent. Scholarly activity included 60 peer-reviewed presentations/publications.
Conclusion:
Our AIAMC NI participation has created multiple wins yielding a strong ROI. Residency programs repeatedly participate and meet ACGME QI, diversity, wellbeing, teamwork, and scholarly requirements. Improved clinical outcomes via alignment with AH priorities and inspiration due to the team’s “resilience, agility, and persistence to continue to seek ways to improve…”
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Ascertaining the Value of GME's Participation in AIAMC National Quality Initiatives
Background/Significance:
The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires GME learners/faculty to engage in quality improvement (QI) in education and clinical care. To support this QI, the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) launched 18-month national initiatives (NIs), each with a unique focus. Aurora Health Care’s GME programs have successfully completed multiple NIs, which are time/resource intensive. Yet no systematic assessment of their overall value (e.g. percent of projects that achieve aims, project alignment with ACGME requirements, lessons learned) has been done.
Purpose:
To determine the value (return on investment [ROI]) of Aurora’s AIAMC NI participation to inform Advocate Health’s (AH) multiple GME institutions’ future NI participation.
Methods:
AIAMC required final reports for five Aurora NIs (which includes multiple projects/NIs) across 10 years were analyzed. A coding sheet based on the common AIAMC final report elements consistent with QI efforts (e.g., degree to which projects achieved their aims, barriers, success elements, lessons learned) and ACGME items (e.g., number of project team members, recognition, scholarly activity) was created. All project reports were coded yielding descriptive statistics; narrative responses were analyzed to identify common themes across projects and initiatives.
Results:
Aurora participated in 22 unique NI projects over the last five NIs, involving 114 participants (54% residents/fellows, 18% faculty, 23% academic affairs, 23% others). Projects were either residency/fellowship-specific or GME-wide. Over 90% met their aims, except during the pandemic. Success stemmed from alignment with AH’s priorities and ACGME requirements. Recognized projects within AH included early pilots (e.g., well-being, expanded diversity data) and system product rollouts (e.g., residency clinic selected for online advance directive software; HTN control in underserved). Many projects earned national awards (2) or recognition (9). Key lessons: be agile, patient, and persistent. Scholarly activity included 60 peer-reviewed presentations/publications.
Conclusion:
Our AIAMC NI participation has created multiple wins yielding a strong ROI. Residency programs repeatedly participate and meet ACGME QI, diversity, wellbeing, teamwork, and scholarly requirements. Improved clinical outcomes via alignment with AH priorities and inspiration due to the team’s “resilience, agility, and persistence to continue to seek ways to improve…”
Affiliations
Aurora UW Medical Group, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center