Research curricula in critical care fellowships--a survey.

Abstract

To determine curriculum requirements and educational methods used by Critical Care fellowship training programs in fulfilling Residency Review Committee requirements for a research experience during Critical Care subspecialty training. Responses from 163 (67%) of the 245 directors of accredited Anesthesiology, Medicine, Pediatric, and Surgical Critical Care fellowship training programs listed in the American Medical Association Graduate Medical Education Directory. Survey information accepted as valid for each program was tabulated to answer study questions. Most (89%) Critical Care programs with 2- or 3-yr curricula meet Residency Review Committee requirements and provide nonclinical time for research. Only 63% of 1-yr curricula from Anesthesiology and Medicine provide a required research experience. Formal instruction in research topics is provided by lecture, journal club, or research conference in approximately 90% of fellowships. Academic productivity from fellowship programs is high, but not correlated with a program's requirement for research. Compliance with current Residency Review Committee requirements for active participation in research is poor for 1-yr fellowship curricula. Reasons for this failure are discussed and a modified requirement is proposed.