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Ask the expert: What should we discuss with residents prior to a site visit?

Residency Program Connection, February 24, 2009

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The ACGME issues many citations based on the information residents give the site visitor during their interview. Typically, citations occur because of one of the two following reasons:

• Residents do not confirm information contained in the program information form (PIF)
• Residents provide answers contrary to what is written in the PIF

About one month before the site visit, sit down with the residents who will meet with the site visitor and review the PIF with them. It is essential residents are aware of and agree with the document’s content. Residents may not always understand the nuances of program management or RRC requirements and how the program meets those standards. This is a great opportunity to discuss these topics with trainees. Additionally, the program director should clarify any questions residents have about the PIF’s content, explain the responses, and the rationale behind each.

• By the end of the meeting, ensure residents understand the following points:
• How the accreditation process works
• What role the PIF plays
• What role the site visitor plays
• What happens to the PIF after the site visitor leaves
• The content of the PIF

This week’s question and answer come from Program Information Form Made Simple: A Guide to Completing the ACGME PIF by Jeri L. Whitten, C-TAGME.

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