Purpose: The CRQS initiative allows facilities to request new physician chief resident base positions to enhance their ability to care for Veterans by redesigning medical education and patient care to include the area of quality and patient safety. As of the beginning of FY 2013, VA will have 41 CRQS position across the United States, representing at least one CRQS in all but two VISNs.

Chief Residents: The CRQS is a non-accredited, post-residency position. Chief Residents must have completed their primary residency training for initial board eligibility and qualify for credentialing and privileging as a licensed independent practitioner in their specialty. CRQS is both a teaching and learning role, which must be distinguished from the more traditional administrative role of chief residents.

Request for Proposals: It is anticipated that in the spring of 2013 a request for proposals will be released for the final allotment of CRQS positions. Facilities must apply for a CRQS position via a competitive online process. A strong curriculum must be demonstrated as well as the local availability of mentors who are qualified in quality improvement and in patient safety or in both. Moreover, support from the local facility in terms of protected time for the mentors and travel support to at least one off-site meeting per year for both the mentors and the CRQS must be demonstrated.

National Curriculum: Beginning July 1, 2012, all CRQS sites participate in a national curriculum that features:

• A “CRQS Boot Camp” in July or August to teach advanced quality improvement and patient safety concepts, skills, and hands-on use of simulation in teaching.
• Monthly two-way interactive video-teleconferences, with pre-assigned preparatory work.
• Faculty development and networking of CRQS incumbents via online supports and websites.

Goals:

1. Enhance education and the quality of care while promoting a culture of patient safety;
2. Promote professionalism, patient-centeredness and continuity of care:
3. Actively engage residents in systems-based patient safety and quality improvement activities; and
4. Support the professional development of faculty.

Partnerships:

• Dartmouth Institute – the Dartmouth Institute Faculty are working hand-in-hand with the VA and National Center for Patient Safety to create a national curriculum as well CRQS tools to assist residents across the VA system.
• VA National Center for Patient Safety

CRQS OAA Contacts:
Barbara K. Chang, MD, MA – Director, Medical and Dental Education
Judy Brannen, MD, MBA – Clinical Director, Graduate & Undergraduate Medical Education
Christy Howard, MSW – Project Manager, VA/OAA/Medical & Dental Education

Mark Splaine, MD – Faculty, Dartmouth Institute
Allan Shirks, MD – Faculty, Dartmouth Institute
Jonathan Huntington, MD – Assistant Professor, Dartmouth Institute

Douglas E. Paull, MD, Director, NCPS
Linda C. Williams, MSI, RN, Program Specialist, NCPS

* External Link Disclaimer: Links marked with an asterisk ( * ) are external links. By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website. The link will open in a new window.