Evaluations

The process of evaluating a resident is dynamic, complex and requires multiple assessment tools. The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Morristown Memorial Hospital's approach is designed to provide each participant with individualized feedback for skills improvement.

Electronic Evaluations

New Innovations, Inc., an electronic data system, tracks standard evaluations of residents, attendings and rotations. The system also keeps track of procedures, duty hours and conferences. Peer evaluations are confidential and can be done privately online.

Chart Audits

Throughout various rotations, residents have random charts reviewed by faculty and/or the chief resident. Instructive feedback is provided to individual residents to help improve note writing skills.

360 Degree Evaluations

Patients and staff are randomly selected to assess each resident during several inpatient and outpatient rotations throughout the three-year training period. Feedback is designed to improve the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competency of interpersonal skills and communication.

Portfolios

Portfolios are used for rotations for which standard evaluations would not provide an accurate assessment of resident performance. Multiple assessment tools are used to compile an accurate picture of performance and may include case summaries, chart audits, peer evaluations and narratives of a stressful event. Residents also submit "scholarly" work to their scholarly activity portfolio on New Innovations.

Evaluation of Oral Presentation

Several times throughout training, residents are required to give an oral presentation. Faculty members in attendance use this assessment tool to provide feedback to residents to assist them in improving their skills in this area.

Morning Report Evaluation

A brief summary form is completed regularly by faculty present at Morning Report to provide feedback on performance in this forum. Information gathered is relayed to residents during the semi-annual evaluation.

In-Training Exam

Each fall, our categorical residents take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)-sponsored exam to assess their strengths and weaknesses. In January, the in-training exam scores are released and our residents sit individually with our program director or associate program director to review performance and develop a personalized learning plan.

Praise and Concern Cards

On occasion, there are specific events or resident behaviors that warrant special attention, but do not fall in the parameters of the usual evaluation process. For this reason, we have an “on-the-fly” reporting system of “praise” and “concern” cards that can be submitted by attendings, residents, nurses or other staff. This system alerts us to noteworthy developments as they occur and gives each resident the recognition or special help she or he deserves.

Clinical Exam Exercise (CEX)

Faculty members observe and provide feedback to residents on their performance of specific aspects of patient care. This may include history, examination, communication or counseling skills. These encounters typically occur at the Family Health Center or in the emergency department.

Bioskills Training

The Bioskills Rotation  uses a portfolio-based system. Residents complete computerized video and testing modules on the web-based program, Procedures Consult. They also have the opportunity to practice procedures on various models and mannequins at our simulation center.

Early Academic Year Meeting

Each intern meets with our program director, early in the academic year, to become acquainted with one another and develop first-year training goals. As reflected by our trademark "open door" policy, residents are always able to meet with the directors throughout the year to discuss any concerns or questions they have; no appointment is needed. 

Semi-Annual Evaluations

Residents meet with our program director or associate program directors several times per year to review individual resident goals and performance. Since instructive feedback is a two-way street, the directors always welcome suggestions for program improvement, as well.