Retaining Interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Among General Residency Trainees

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education

Background:

• Child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) faces a shortage of specialists.
• Understanding factors influencing psychiatry residents' interest in CAP is crucial for workforce development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify factors influencing general psychiatry residents' interest in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP).
• Determine areas for improving clinical education to address CAP specialist shortages.
• Evaluate the impact of educational interventions on residents' attitudes toward CAP.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous pre- and post-intervention surveys administered to general psychiatry residents at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN).
• Surveys assessed career path influencers, comfort levels with children/families, and CAP knowledge.
• Implemented educational interventions based on pre-intervention survey results.

Main Results:

• Child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) rotation experience and work with families significantly influenced residents' career choices.
• Residents demonstrated a notable lack of systems-based knowledge compared to overall CAP knowledge.
• Educational interventions improved residents' competence with children and families without decreasing interest in CAP.

Conclusions:

• Educational modifications positively impacted LVHN general psychiatry residents' attitudes toward child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP).
• Similar interventions may be effective in other residency programs to sustain resident interest in CAP.
• Addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing practical experience are key to fostering CAP interest.