Innovative coaching mechanism earns national honor

Integration of a resident coaching mechanism earned a group of seven doctors and educators from the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology the Philip Liu Award for Innovation in Anesthesia Education at the Society for Education in Anesthesia Spring Meeting.

The UNMC Department of Anesthesiology Evaluation Task Force developed the clinical assessment tool to provide timely, detailed and formative feedback to anesthesiology residents from their faculty mentors.

Task force members and award recipients are:

• Faye Haggar, EdD;
• Jean Simonson, M.D.;
• Andrea Dutoit, M.D.;
• Katie Goergen, M.D.;
• Cathleen Peterson-Layne, M.D., Ph.D.;
• Amy Duhachek-Stapelman, M.D.; and
• former faculty member, Karisa Walker, M.D.

“This tool allows us to give feedback in a non-threatening and positive way,” said Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman. “When you utilize the framework of educators as coaches, it enhances our opportunity to provide constructive feedback to improve skills and optimize performance.”

The concept of coaching was universally well-received by both residents and faculty. The sessions also made it easier for faculty to initiate feedback during other times, not just during coaching.

“It’s really just trying to change the mindset,” Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman said. “Feedback is not punitive, and it’s not meant to make you feel bad about yourself. If we’re not telling the residents what they could be doing better, we’re failing them.”

The abstract, titled “Coaching for Anesthesiology Trainees: Development of a Workplace-Based Assessment Tool,” was chosen as winner over seven competing abstracts.

Dr. Philip Liu was the founder and first president of the SEA and one of his visions was for SEA to help improve education in anesthesia. The Philip Liu Award for Innovation in Anesthesia Education was established with the intention to recognize outstanding education research in anesthesiology and innovations in curriculum that will improve education.

Two “Philip Liu Awards for Innovations in Anesthesia Education” are presented annually at the SEA spring meeting, held this year in Louisville, Ky., on April 20-22. The UNMC Department of Anesthesiology won the Innovation in Curriculum Award.