Implementation effect of specialist residency program: A case study on performance indicators of emergency departments

Abstract

Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of emergency departments in hospitals affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences following the implementation of Specialist Residency Program as a part of the Health Transformation Plan. Methods This is an applied type and descriptive-analytic study. The data related to performance indicators of publics in Iran were collected through forms for 2six-month periods before and after implementation of Specialist Residency Program analyzed with Repeated Measure ANOVA test using SPSS 18. The interview data were analyzed using MAXQDA 10 and framework analysis technique. Results The execution of Specialist Residency resulted in relative improvement of performance indicators such as 'mean time of triage (level 1)' (0.17 min decrease) and 'the percentage of patients released in 6hours' (1.36 increase, p-value > 0.05). Results of the interviews showed that the factors that affect the overall improvement of ED performance include the permanent presence of emergency's, management method in emergency department, patient triage and counseling methods, providing necessary facilities and physical spaces, training classes for staff members, availability of diagnostic facilities and personnel motivation. Conclusions Appropriate implementation of the Specialist Residency Program results in improvement of performance indicators in Emergency Departments. Meanwhile, physicians' motivation is a requirement for successful implementation of this program.