This is Jeopardy! A flexible coverage-based schedule model to address wellness for pathology training programs

Scheduling rotations for a pathology training program involves balancing educational requirements, service coverage, and paid time off (PTO). Absences can affect training as residents cross-cover, managing multiple services at once. Other specialties utilize a “Jeopardy” based system for covering absences. In this system, residents on outpatient services are “jeopardized” to cover inpatient services for trainee absences. Borrowing this concept, we created a schedule model with a “Jeopardy-Elective” (JE) rotation to support resident absences. Prior to 2018–19, our residency program consisted of a 12 month-long rotation schedule. We adopted a 13 four-week block rotation model system, adding four JE rotations per resident over the course of training. The JE resident covered services during trainee absences and spent the remaining rotation on elective. We then conducted a pre- and post-intervention survey of all residents who trained in both systems. Following the change in schedule model, our results showed a statistically significant increase in resident satisfaction with taking PTO (p = 0.0014), finding coverage (p = 0.0006), and taking a sick day (p = 0.03). The mean number of days covered by the JE resident was 8.5 ± 2.7 workdays (out of 20). PTO usage increased from 16 to 20 days/resident while mean number of sick days decreased from 1.7 to 1.3 days per resident. There was overwhelming support with 82% of residents wanting to retain the new system going forward. Through use of the JE rotation, our program improved service coverage issues and resident satisfaction, with the long-term goal of enhanced resident well-being and enriched resident learning experiences.