Outcomes of an Equity, Quality Improvement, and Patient Safety (EQuIPS) Curriculum in Community Hospital-Based Family Medicine Residency Program

Background: Patient safety, quality improvement, and health equity training in graduate medical education are important. However, effective curriculum development in these complex domains remains challenging. Objective: To evaluate the impact of EQuIPS (Equity, Quality Improvement, and Patient Safety), a mandatory, longitudinal curriculum for family medicine residents using Kirkpatrick Model of evaluation. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design across three phases (pre-EQuIPS, during EQuIPS rollout, post-EQuIPS) with retrospective data collection. We analyzed data from residents graduating from academic years 2016 through 2024 where EQuIPS was implemented a multifaceted bundled intervention. The outcomes were measured using Kirkpatrick Levels 2, 3, and 4 defined as completion of certification, reported participation in projects, and leadership of projects demonstrated by presentation or publication. Demographics between the three groups were evaluated using the Chi-squared test for comparability. Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts were used for 3-phase analysis, while Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Poisson regression analysis were applied to draw inferences of association. Results: < .001) confirmed with Poisson regression after controlling for medical school. Conclusion: The EQuIPS curriculum was associated with enhanced resident competency in equity, quality improvement, and patient safety. This model is a potentially valuable framework for other residency programs aiming to meet accreditation requirements and improvement and promote continuous improvement.