The Effect of Elective Rotations on the Self-assessment Examination Results of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents: Implications for Minimizing Educational Resource Disparities in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were (1) to assess whether a knowledge disparity existed between physical medicine and rehabilitation residents from community hospitals versus those from medical centers, before the introduction of short-term elective training at the end of 2008 and (2), if such disparity existed, to determine whether 1-month short-term elective training was associated with minimizing such disparity, as reflected in the self-assessment examination scores. DESIGN: Self-assessment examination scores from 2007-2016 were analyzed in each of the following three topics: (a) cardiac rehabilitation, (b) pulmonary rehabilitation, and (c) orthotics. Student's t tests were used to identify score discrepancies between both groups. RESULTS: (1) At baseline (2007-2008), trainees from community hospitals scored lower in all three topics (P < 0.05). (2) After the short-term elective training, follow-up comparisons showed no differences in either cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation for 2009-2016. Regarding orthotics, trainees from both groups showed no significant differences for 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. Interestingly, for 2013-2014 and 2015-2016, trainees from medical centers scored higher again, but only in orthotics. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In 2007-2008, a knowledge disparity existed between physical medicine and rehabilitation residents from community hospitals and medical centers in Taiwan. (2) Short-term elective training was associated with minimizing such disparity from 2009-2016, especially in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The Development and Evolution of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Taiwan from 1958 to 2016.

The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) began its development in Taiwan since 1958, and has gradually evolved into a profession that provides a diversity of clinical services and educational activities. The objectives of this brief report were to (1) review its background and milestones in the past 6 decades, (2) describe the current role and function of its Academy of PM&R, (3) present the content and format of its board certification process, focusing on (a) residency training requirements, (b) self-assessment examination, board certification process, and (c) maintenance of certification through continued education. Some challenges and opportunities are also discussed toward the end of this article. It is hoped that this report may serve as a reference material for other countries as they develop or improve their PM&R residency programs.