Ophthalmology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ophthalmology, including details on eye surgery, myopia, cataracts.

Structured journal club as a tool to teach and assess resident competence in practice-based learning and improvement.

Lee AG, Boldt HC, Golnik KC, Arnold AC, Oetting TA, Beaver HA, Olson RJ, Zimmerman MB, Carter K

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. andrew-lee@uiowa.edu

PURPOSE: To describe the use of the journal club as a tool to teach and assess competency in practice-based learning (PBL) and improvement among residents in ophthalmology. DESIGN: Interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ophthalmology residents. SETTING: Three academic ophthalmology residency programs in the United States. METHODS: A survey was performed of self-assessed skills in PBL among residents in ophthalmology training before and after the implementation of a structured review checklist during a traditional resident journal club. The survey had 5 domains, including (A) appraise and assimilate evidence, (B) read a journal article critically, (C) use a systematic and standardized checklist, (D) apply knowledge of study designs and statistical methods, and (E) maintain a self-documented written record of compliance. The respondents scored their ability (range, 1-5). RESULTS: The use of a structured journal club tool was associated with a statistically significant improvement in self-assessed ability in all 5 domains. CONCLUSIONS: Although validity, reliability, and long-term efficacy studies are necessary, the structured journal club is one method of teaching and assessing resident competency in PBL and improvement.

Published 3 March 2006 in Ophthalmology, 113(3): 497-500.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Ophthalmology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.