PM&R: The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation, 2025/01, (17):1. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.13246, type of study: ,css,

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Keywords:

administrative training [1]
cross sectional study [894]
osteopathic medicine [2109]
preparedness [5]
residency [337]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is little research regarding the self-perceived preparedness of residents to enter independent practice after training. Given the vast breadth of physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) and the increasingly complex and wide-ranging responsibilities and roles of physiatrists, this study is necessary to evaluate residents' perspectives of how programs are preparing them in the face of the changing practice environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify how graduating PM&R residents perceived their training to prepare them for future practice. The researchers assessed perceived preparedness in six domains: (1) evaluation and management of conditions, (2) settings and responsibilities of practice, (3) familiarity with administrative processes, (4) physiatric-specific prescriptions, (5) performing procedures, and (6) interpretation of diagnostic studies. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Virtual. PARTICIPANTS: Graduating PM&R residents in their final year of training in the United States were invited to complete the survey. Of 415 graduating residents, 54 accessed the survey, and 40 (9.6%) fully completed questions relating to preparation by residency. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-perceived preparedness for practice among graduating residents across 70 subdomains of practice. RESULTS: Mean preparedness was highest in the domain of physiatric prescription (3.45/5), and preparedness for administrative processes was significantly lower than all other domains (mean 2.25/5, p < .001). Across subdomains, the highest preparedness was in performing electromyography (4.48/5). Medical skills rated less than 2.50/5 included interpreting urodynamics (1.93/5), performing osteopathic manipulative therapy (1.57/5), and performing unguided peripheral nerve injections (2.25/5). CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, residency programs should increase administrative training and identify internal strengths and weaknesses by polling their residents.