What is PBP?

Problem Based Presentation (PBP) is a framework to organize resident presentations to faculty members in continuity clinic. This organized, efficient presentation is critical for effective patient care and teaching in resident continuity clinic. SOAP style presentations work well for hospitalized patients and outpatients with a single chief complaint but is not effective for continuity clinic. PBP keeps residents organized and facilitates faculty teaching. 

What are the steps of PBP?

Opening Statement

• Name, age, major medical issues
• New or return visit, last visit?
• New to you or continuity?
• List names of issues that were addressed in clinic today

Problem by problem discussion

• SOAP for problem #1 (followed by attending feedback/teaching)
• SOAP for problem #2 (followed by attending feedback/teaching)
• SOAP for problem #3 (followed by attending feedback/teaching)

Wrap Up

• Return to clinic plan and billing level

PBP Faculty Development

A key aspect of PBP success is a shared mental model for presentation structure by residents and faculty. All faculty members should expect the PBP format for each presentation and provide gentle correction when the PBP format is not followed. Faculty development should focus on discussing:

• The current presentation structure used by residents/expected by faculty
• The importance of a shared mental model for clinic presentation structure
• Why traditional SOAP style isn’t effective for continuity clinic presentations
• PBP format with examples

Faculty Development Presentation PDF

PBP Resident Development

A key aspect of PBP success is a shared mental model for presentation structure by residents and faculty. All residents should be given explicit instructions that PBP is the expected format for continuity clinic presentations. Consider making this a resident-led QI project and/or naming resident PBP champions to create buy-in among residents. Resident Training should focus on discussing:

• The importance of a shared mental model for checkout structure
• Why traditional SOAP style isn’t effective for continuity clinic presentations?
• PBP format with examples

We strongly suggest posting the PBP format in an easily viewable location where residents present to attendings. We have taped laminated cards to our desks so that residents can easily view the steps as they are initially learning them. Some handy references include:

• Problem-Based Presentation Outline
• Problem-Based Presentation Handout with Example
• Problem-Based Presentation Note-Taking Page

Resident Development Presentation PDF