1618 - Improving Exposure and Resident Knowledge of Subacute Rehabilitation Education Curriculum at an Academic Institution

Objectives: Physiatry residents entering practice are increasingly faced with decisions regarding employment in Subacute Rehabilitation (SAR) centers. Residency programs rarely provide structured education about career opportunities and patient care in this setting. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a SAR curriculum for physiatry residents, with the goals of improving knowledge, fostering interest in SAR practice, preparing trainees to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care, and potentially influencing future career choice in SAR. A further aim is to promote broader implementation of SAR education in residency programs nationwide.

Design:

Eleven residents completed a four-week SAR curriculum consisting of one half-day per week at a SAR, four lectures, and review of six peer-reviewed articles. Residents completed pre- and post-curriculum knowledge assessments and surveys evaluating content, educational value, and satisfaction. Pre- and post-test scores were compared to determine curriculum effectiveness.

Results:

Average knowledge scores improved significantly, from 4.91 on the pre-test to 8.82 on the post-test (p = 0.0006), representing a nearly twofold increase. Residents rated lecture quality highest (mean 4.09/5), followed by subsequent lectures (3.80, 3.73, 3.50). Educational and material quality were also rated favorably (3.75 and 3.67). Lower ratings were reported for SAR experience (3.29), workload (3.08), and patient care exposure (2.93), suggesting opportunities to strengthen hands-on clinical engagement. Overall, 57% of residents rated the curriculum as good, 29% as very good, and 14% as poor. Regarding time spent at SAR, 57% indicated “just right,” 29% “too short,” and 14% “too long".

Conclusions:

Physiatry residents are interested in SAR and gain knowledge through structured SAR education during residency training. As the model of care evolves, SAR is becoming an increasingly important setting for provision of rehabilitative care. Early educational exposure to the unique problems of SAR patients and the intricacies of the system better equips trainees to deliver quality, efficient, and cost-effective care.