LITERATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Abstract

(Lack of) Measurable Clinical or Knowledge Gains From Resident Participation in Noon Conference 

Nathaniel B. Meyer MD, Kara Gaetke-Udager MD, Kimberly L. Shampain MD, Amy Spencer BA, Richard H. Cohan MD and Matthew S. Davenport MD

Academic Radiology, 2018-06-01, Volume 25, Issue 6, Pages 719-726, Copyright © 2018 The Association of University Radiologists

Rationale and Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine whether noon conference attendance by diagnostic radiology residents is predictive of measurable performance.

Methods

This single-center retrospective Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant cross-sectional study was considered “not regulated” by the institutional review board. All diagnostic radiology residents who began residency training from 2008 to 2012 were included (N = 54). Metrics of clinical performance and knowledge were collected, including junior and senior precall test results, American Board of Radiology scores ( z -score transformed), American College of Radiology in-training scores (years 1–3), on-call “great call” and minor and major discrepancy rates, on-call and daytime case volumes, and training rotation scores. Multivariate regression models were constructed to determine if conference attendance, match rank order, or starting year could predict these outcomes. Pearson bivariate correlations were calculated.

Results

Senior precall test results were moderately correlated with American Board of Radiology ( r = 0.41) and American College of Radiology ( r = 0.38–0.48) test results and mean rotation scores ( r = 0.41), indicating moderate internal validity. However, conference attendance, match rank order, and year of training did not correlate with ( r = −0.16–0.16) or predict ( P > .05) measurable resident knowledge. On multivariate analysis, neither match rank order ( P = .14–.96) nor conference attendance ( P = .10–.88) predicted measurable clinical efficiency or accuracy. Year started training predicted greater cross-sectional case volume ( P < .0001, β = 0.361–0.516) and less faculty-to-resident feedback ( P < 0.0001, β = [−0.628]–[−0.733]).

Conclusions

Residents with lower conference attendance are indistinguishable from those who attend more frequently in a wide range of clinical and knowledge-based performance assessments, suggesting that required attendance may not be necessary to gain certain measurable core competencies.