How Do US Pediatric Residency Programs Teach and Evaluate Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Training?

In 2013, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education updated requirements for training in community pediatrics and advocacy in pediatric residency programs. In light of this update, the aim of this study was to better understand how community pediatrics is being taught and evaluated in pediatric residency programs in the United States.

Cross-sectional exploratory study using a Web-based survey of pediatric residency program directors in September 2014. Questions focused on teaching and evaluation of 10 community pediatrics competencies.

Of 85 programs (43% response rate), 30% offered a separate training track and/or 6-block individualized curriculum in community pediatrics or advocacy. More than 75% required all residents to learn 7 of 10 competencies queried. Respondents in urban settings were more likely to teach care of special populations (P = .02) and public speaking (P < .01). Larger programs were more likely to teach (P = .04) and evaluate (P = .02) community-based research. Experiential learning and classroom-based didactics were the most frequent teaching methodologies. Many programs used multiple teaching methodologies for all competencies. Observation was the most frequent evaluation technique used; portfolio review and written reflection were also commonly reported.

Our findings show a strong emphasis on community pediatrics and advocacy teaching among responding US pediatric residency programs. Although respondents reported a variety of teaching and evaluation methods, there were few statistically significant differences between programs.