Quality Improvement Communication

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You asked. We are listening. 

We want you to feel confident and satisfied with your student experience. Below are tools and updates to help students succeed.  

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Medical Student Policies - March 2024

Did you know student policies help to ensure you have the best possible educational experience?

Having clear medical student policies facilitates an environment for effective learning, keeps you safe, enforces rules consistently, and communicates the expectations between students, the school, and its representatives.

Medical student policies are kept up-to-date through regular review and revision. For example, a recent review of the Duty Hours policy resulted in the creation of an online, anonymous reporting tool and added language on the University’s non-retaliation policy.

Visit the Medical Student Policies webpage to see the complete list of policies for medical students across all years and campuses. Students can also submit requests for new policies or recommendations for revising existing ones through this webpage.

You asked. We listened.

Do you have ideas for future Did You Know topics? Submit them here!

Secure Storage & Study Space at Clinical Sites - February 2024

Did you know we are committed to ensuring you have accessible study spaces and secure storage at our major clinical sites?

To facilitate this, we conduct periodic reviews of clerkship evaluations, with sites below 75% satisfaction triggering a review to identify the root cause of dissatisfaction and take corrective action.

The linked charts reflect student satisfaction from the most recent quarterly review for clerkships.

Student Resources: Clerkship students are provided with a Clinical Space Fact Sheet showing locations of secure storage and study space at our major clinical sites. Updated regularly, this Fact Sheet is available on the Clinical Scheduling Guide web page as part of Clerkship Orientations and provided to Site Directors.

Student Feedback: Students may also submit issues, corrections, or updates about secure storage or study space using an online Clinical Space Update Request Form. Submissions are reviewed and addressed with the appropriate stakeholders.

You asked. We listened. 

Student Research Funds - February 2024

Did you know you can apply for student research funds? 

Applications for University of Minnesota Foundation Medical Student Research Grants are now open. The UMF encourages innovative research by Medical School students and awards grants to students pursuing basic, clinical, or community-based research interests. This program encourages medical students to conduct independent, mentored, and academic research using a protocol of their own design. Frequently asked questions about the grants can be found here. To submit a question not addressed, use this form.

Applications are due by February 15, 2024.

You asked. We listened.

Mistreatment Reporting & Policy - January 2024

Did you know the medical school has mechanisms for students to report instances of mistreatment and policy violations?
 

Mistreatment: Students can use UReport, which provides an online way to anonymously report instances of alleged mistreatment. Submissions are investigated by the University’s Office of EOAA, Office of Community Standards, or by the medical school’s internal Mistreatment and Harassment Oversight Team.

Duty Hours: The Duty Hours policy sets expectations for time off and Independent Learning Time (ILT) in clerkship scheduling to ensure students have a significant clinical experience, time to prepare for course assessments, and sufficient time to attend to personal matters for maintaining well-being. Students are encouraged to report alleged Duty Hours violations to the Office of Curriculum.

Consent for Educational Sensitive Exams: This policy supports student training by demonstrating the importance of patient consent and by empowering students to consistently confirm consent. Students can anonymously report alleged violations through an online reporting tool, which will be investigated promptly through the Office of Curriculum.

The medical school also regularly monitors these areas through anonymous course/clerkship evaluations and national surveys like the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire and Y2Q.

You asked. We listened.

Resources for Reducing Burnout & Increasing Engagement - December 2023

Did you know taking breaks is extremely important for recharging?
 

Medical school is demanding. To help students deal with these demands, the UMMS supports strategies to increase engagement and reduce student burnout. For ideas on stress-reducing activities or to add your own, check out “The Box,” a living document of options for managing stress with ideas for mind and body approaches, making plans, and connecting with others - developed by students for students.

As the upcoming break approaches, we encourage you to consider planning some intentional, restorative activities. This may include rest, recreational activities, time with loved ones, and solitude. Additionally, research has shown time on social media is not restorative - so consider getting outdoors, reconnecting with people in person, or trying something new.

If you need additional support in coping with stressors, contact the Office of Learner Development in Duluth or the Twin Cities.
You asked. We listened.

Accreditation Progress - November 2023

Did you know we successfully resolved seven of our ten Accreditation Findings and all of our Unsatisfactory citations? 

The accreditation organization of the medical school, the LCME, determined that seven of our ten outstanding Findings are entirely Satisfactory (meet accreditation requirements), with the remaining three determined to be Satisfactory with ongoing monitoring. This means the medical school has remediated all its Unsatisfactory citations in just two years!

Our success represents substantial student, staff, faculty and medical school leadership commitments.

Your feedback on our annual Quality Improvement Surveys was instrumental to our successes. Look out for future opportunities in spring 2024 to complete the yearly surveys and help us continue to ensure the best educational experience for you.

You asked. We listened.

Away Elective Database - November 2023

Did you know the medical school has a new online tool to help you learn more about your away rotation options?
 

The Medical School has developed a new dashboard showing student evaluations of their away rotation sites. The dashboard allows you to filter sites by location (region or state) and by specialty to explore sites that might be a good fit for you. You can access the dashboard by logging in with your Internet ID and password at z.umn.edu/AwayRotationEvals.

Note: The dashboard currently includes data on sites for recently completed evaluations. New sites will be added over time. To learn about more other sites from past years, you can browse previous evaluations or visit our other resources on the domestic away rotation website. You asked. We listened.

Student Feedback Mechanisms - October 2023

Did you know the medical school has a variety of processes to collect feedback about your courses, clerkships and other programs? 

Obtaining feedback from students is critical for evaluating medical education program quality and gauging student satisfaction. Feedback also provides insights into opportunities for continuous improvement.
 

Click here to see a summary of key ways the medical school obtains student feedback. In addition, click here for a brief video highlighting the importance of providing feedback during medical school.

You asked. We listened.

Confidential Bridging Counseling - October 2023

Did you know Confidential Bridge Counseling (CBC) is available to all students?

More than 35% of our students have taken advantage of CBC services. The CBC includes psychologists in the Twin Cities and Duluth who are available to support your mental health and wellness.

Featuring free, confidential & convenient in-person or telehealth appointments with little to no wait time, CBC provides dedicated “bridging” services for medical students needing brief psychological support, awaiting the start of services elsewhere or for those who would like a referral.

98% of students indicated they would recommend the services to their peers.

To schedule an appointment:

You asked. We listened.

Student Feedback Impact - October 2023

Did you know medical students have a voice in shaping the educational experience?
 

Medical students serve as representatives on numerous governance committees, provide feedback to administration and faculty on the course/clerkship quality and assist with planning events in all areas of the medical education program. Your engagement significantly impacts your own experiences and the experiences of the next generation of medical students.
 

To learn more about how to make your voice heard, click here.  

You asked. We listened.

Student Satisfaction Survey - September 2023

Did you know we continue to improve because of your feedback?
 

Over the spring 2023 semester, 81% of you, across all years and both campuses, completed the Student Satisfaction survey. This survey is conducted annually as part of our continuous quality improvement system and to evaluate progress on important accreditation topics. Thank you!
 

You can review the results here.

Your responses are informing impactful improvement plans that will enhance the educational program and student satisfaction.

More details on these actions will be highlighted in upcoming 'Did You Know...' messages — Stay Tuned.

You asked. We listened.

Class of 2027 - September 2023

Did you know the students in our incoming class of 2027 build on our school’s diversity?

This is who they are:
  • 84 different undergraduate degrees represented
  • 23 come to us with advanced degrees
  • 82.6% are Minnesota residents
  • 32 different languages represented
Additional class demographics:
Duluth MD MD/PhD Twin Cities MD UIM
65 10 166 19.9%
BIPOC First Generation Average Age Military Service
38.2% 12.9% 24.5 1.7%
You asked. We are listening. 

Student Research Funds - August 2023

Did you know you can apply for student research funds? 
 

Applications for University of Minnesota Foundation Medical Student Research Grants are now open. The UMF encourages innovative research by Medical School students and awards grants to students pursuing basic, clinical or community-based research interests. This program encourages medical students to conduct independent, mentored and academic research using a protocol of their own design.
 

You asked. We listened.

Summer Internship in Medical Education - August 2023

Did you know our Summer Internship in Medical Education (SIME) students have completed projects focused on enhancing the quality of your educational experience?

This year’s SIME students, who are members of the Class of 2026, are presenting their projects in such areas as Student Affairs, Assessment and Evaluation, Graduate Medical Education, Wellness/Wellbeing and the Rural Health Research Project. Review a list of all the projects and interns here.
 

You asked. We listened.

Rural Practice Opportunities - July 2023

Did you know we are supporting students interested in rural practice?

Medical educational experiences impact future career choice and practice location. An example is our Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP), a 9-month rural longitudinal integrated clerkship for third-year medical students.

1,217 RPAP participants who completed GME training between 1975-2017 were compared to non-RPAP participants during that same time period. More RPAP participants practiced in-state (65.7% vs 54.4%), primary care (69.0% vs 33.4%), family medicine (61.1% vs 17.3%) and rural (41.2% vs 13.9%).

Click here to learn more about this analysis.

You asked. We listened.

Attendance & Duty Hours Policies - June 2023

Did you know we provide time off?

The Medical School provides time off for healthcare appointments and wellness needs. The Attendance Requirements and Excused Absences policy describes how students can be excused from pre-clerkship courses or clinical experiences for healthcare appointments, wellness needs or certain academic priorities, including participation in formal University system governance.
 

The Duty Hours, Years 3 and 4 policy regulate work hours and independent learning time to provide opportunities for personal care and wellness.

You asked. We listened.

Annual Quality Improvement Survey - June 2023

Did you know we've completed our annual quality improvement surveys and compiled the results?

Students were surveyed on a variety of topics regarding on-campus and clinical facilities, curriculum, clerkship assessment and student services. Student responses to the surveys provide critical feedback on whether quality improvement efforts (CQI) over the last couple of years have had a positive effect on student satisfaction.
 

To view a high-level summary of the survey results, click here. These results, including narrative comments, are currently being used to identify ongoing and new CQI initiatives and will be included in the UMMS’ Status Report submitted to the LCME in August 2023.

Any questions or concerns about the surveys or the results can be directed to Joe Oppedisano, Director of Accreditation & Quality Improvement.

You asked. We listened.

Required Clinical Encounters - May 2023

Did you know MedIS has a dashboard to track Required Clinical Encounters (RCE) for passing core clerkships and graduation?

Each core clerkship requires you to experience a subset of the conditions, procedures and presenting symptoms during your rotation in order to successfully meet the clerkship's learning objectives. 

Here is a video that walks you through the RCE list and explains how to log and view your encounters. The RCE policy provides important information about your requirements. More information and links to the logging survey and RCE log reports can be found on each of the core clerkship’s Canvas sites.

You asked. We listened.

The deadline for the next cycle is February 15, 2022.

Wellness Policies - May 2023

Did you know the school sets limits on pre-clerkship workload and clerkship duty hours? The school also provides time off for needed healthcare appointments and other wellness needs.

You asked. We listened. We care about your wellness.

Clinical Storage & Study Space - April 2023

Did you know we have been working hard to improve student satisfaction with secure storage and study space at our major clinical sites?

Over the past year, new dedicated lockers for students were purchased by the Dean's Office and installed at several major clinical sites, including Hennepin, Regions, Riverside Professional Building and UMMC West Bank. We also make a Clinical Space Fact Sheet, available through Canvas, on the Clinical Scheduling Guide, referenced during clerkship orientations and provided to all Site Directors. This resource summarizes the secure storage and study space options at major clinical sites.

The impact of these efforts are:

  • Quality Improvement Satisfaction Survey: 80% of MS4 students indicated on the January 2023 survey they were satisfied with secure storage and 82% were satisfied with study space compared to 65% and 77%, respectively, in January 2022.
  • Clerkship Evaluations: In the 22-23 Academic Year, 89-96% of students report being satisfied with secure storage, and 88-100% report being satisfied with study space during their required core clerkships. Students can submit issues, corrections or updates about secure storage or study space using an online Clinical Space Update Request Form.

You asked. We listened.

Medical Student Policies - March 2023

Did you know the medical school maintains clear policies to facilitate an environment for effective learning, keep you safe, enforce rules consistently and provide you with the best possible educational experience?

Medical student policies are kept up-to-date through regular review and revision. For example, based on student feedback, the Attendance Requirements & Excused Absences policy was recently updated to include participation in formal University system governance as a valid reason for an excused absence.

Visit the Medical Student Policies webpage to see the complete list of policies for medical students across all years and both campuses.

You asked. We listened.

Pre-Clerkship Curriculum Monitoring - March 2023

Did you know the pre-clerkship curriculum is actively monitored to ensure high satisfaction with educational experiences?

The results from the spring 2021 Quality Improvement Satisfaction Survey showed:

Quality of teaching in the first year: 92% (DU), 90% (TC)
Amount of active learning: 83% (DU), 88% (TC)
Integration of topics to clinical medicine in the first year: 98% (DU), 89% (TC)
 

In addition to periodic surveys, real-time data from course evaluations demonstrate high satisfaction with our pre-clerkship courses' overall quality and effective integration of clinical practice and basic science content. Many of the reasons for sustained or improved student satisfaction are the result of student feedback through course evaluations and Course LEADS.

Additional school-wide surveys are currently being conducted throughout this spring semester to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous improvement efforts in these and other areas throughout the medical school. So stay tuned!

You asked. We listened.

Wellbeing Resources & Support - January 2023

We are here for you. Let us know how we can help. 

Much is happening in the world that can affect personal well-being. Try to make time to maintain community by connecting with your family, friends, colleagues and mentors. Your Academic and Faculty Advisors, along with the staff in Student Affairs on both campuses, are ready to help. If needed, reach out to us here.
 

We would also like to remind you about the Excused Absence Policy. Acceptable uses of the policy include concerns about your or your family's safety, stressors that significantly impact your ability to engage in an educational experience and mental health impacts related to events affecting our community. Our pledge is to minimize the impact of any excused absence on your academic progress and graduation date.

We’re here for you. Take care, and let us know how we can help.

Clerkship Evaluation & Feedback Improvements - January 2023

Did you know recent initiatives in formative feedback and observation of H&P have resulted in significant improvements in student learning and satisfaction?

Since the implementation of the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (Core EPAs) in 2021 and the standardized Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) in 2022, clerkship performance with formative feedback and observation of H&P have shown dramatic improvements.

Recent clerkship evaluation data show:

  • Between 97-100% of students report having received mid-clerkship feedback
  • Between 95-100% of students indicate they were observed performing the relevant portions of the history and physical exam
  • Between 84-98% of students believe the quality of formative feedback meets or exceeds their expectations 
  • Significant improvement in the quantity of formative feedback, with only 1-13% of students indicating there is still too little formative feedback

    You asked. We listened.

Student Support Services - January 2023

Did you know the medical school offers comprehensive student services supporting all medical students?

Focus areas include mental health and wellbeing, career and professional development, academic advising, and learner development.

We are committed to your success.

You asked. We listened.