To measure the impact of transitioning from a noon conference (NC) didactic model to an academic half day (AHD) by evaluating residents’ survey responses, attendance records, RITE scores, and departmental cost. 

In July 2023, an academic center transitioned to a weekly 4-hour AHD with protected time for residents and faculty facilitators. Residents completed pre-reading/listening of a Continuum article/audio. Instructional methods included mini-lecture, case-based discussions, and hands-on activities or games to promote knowledge acquisition and application.

A survey assessing overall didactic quality, educational value, instructor quality, and perceived engagement along a 5-point Likert scale was developed. This instrument was delivered in 2023 (pre-AHD transition) and again in 2025. Attendance records from academic year 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 were compared. Departmental cost was calculated by the average cost of lunches over one academic year. Pre-/post-survey response data was compared using Mann Whitney U. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons yielded significance for p-value <0.0125 at α=0.05. Percentage of didactic attendance was compared using student t-test. Descriptive statistics were used to compare RITE scores pre/post transition. 

Thirteen residents completed the pre-AHD assessment; 8 completed the post-AHD assessment. Median [IQR] pre-/post- ratings improved for “Learned and understood subject material:” 4 [3-4] vs 4.5 [4-5] (p=0.053), “Instructor was dynamic/energetic:” 3 [2-4] vs 4.5 [4-5] (p=0.016), “Students were encouraged to participate:” 4 [3-4] vs 5 [4-5] (p=0.025), “Overall quality compared to other courses at HFHS:” 4 [3-5] vs 5 [4.75-5] (p=0.104), which did not reach statistical significance. Mean attendance [SD] for NC: 71% [7.6%] vs AHD: 78% [10.2%] (p=0.016). 2022-2024 mean RITE scores were not statistically different. Average annual cost to the department was ~$7,500 for food plus the cost of faculty facilitators' protected time (4 hours/weekly).  

The transition from NC to AHD was associated with non-significantly increased resident ratings, significantly better attendance, and unchanged RITE exam scores.