Novel hepatology rotation ups knowledge of liver disease

(HealthDay)—A novel non-elective inpatient hepatology rotation increases knowledge of chronic liver disease (CLD) among internal medicine (IM) residents, according to a study published online Aug. 10 in Hepatology.

Adam E. Mikolajczyk, M.D., from the University of Chicago Medicine, and colleagues distributed a paper-based anonymous assessment to the inaugural 25 post-graduate year 2 and 3 IM residents before and after the two-week inpatient hepatology rotation. Validated multiple-choice questions and Likert-type questions were included in the pre- and post-rotation assessments.

The researchers found that after completion of the rotation there was a significant increase in the mean comfort level for managing several common liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and liver transplant care). A significant increase was also reported in interest in hepatology as a career (P = 0.03). The mean percentage of multiple-choice questions answered correctly was 62 and 77 percent pre- and post-test (P = 0.02).

"Our novel curriculum and non-elective hepatology rotation has effectively demonstrated improvement in IM residents' comfort with and knowledge of CLD," the authors write.