Teaching pediatric residents about child maltreatment

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Child maltreatment presents a significant challenge for pediatricians.
• Existing pediatric residency programs often lack comprehensive training in child maltreatment.
• There are notable gaps in pediatricians' knowledge and skills regarding child abuse and neglect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a model educational course designed to improve pediatric residents' knowledge and skills in child maltreatment.
• To assess the impact of interdisciplinary faculty-led training on resident competence in managing child maltreatment cases.
• To highlight the necessity of educating pediatric residents on the 'new morbidity,' including child maltreatment.

Main Methods:

• Fifty pediatric residents participated in the evaluation.
• A model educational course focused on child maltreatment was developed by interdisciplinary faculty.
• The course's effectiveness was measured by assessing changes in residents' knowledge and skills.

Main Results:

• The educational course led to significant short-term improvements in pediatric residents' knowledge.
• Residents demonstrated enhanced skills in managing child maltreatment cases post-course.
• Participants reported a greater sense of competence in handling child maltreatment situations.

Conclusions:

• Targeted educational interventions can effectively improve pediatric residents' preparedness for child maltreatment cases.
• Enhanced training in child maltreatment is crucial for pediatricians to address the 'new morbidity'.
• Future residency curricula should incorporate robust child maltreatment education.