Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025

Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment
Published on: June 1, 2015
Canadian developmental pediatrics workforce survey
Scott A McLeod1, Sabrina Eliason2, Melanie Penner3
1Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
Insights
Canada
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Workforce Analysis
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions necessitate specialized developmental assessments and clinic services.
- Limited data exists on the supply and sustainability of developmental pediatric subspecialists in Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the demographic profile and career plans of Canadian developmental pediatric professionals.
- To identify challenges and trends impacting the developmental pediatric workforce.
- To explore opportunities for innovative developmental care delivery.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey with 31 items was distributed to practicing developmental pediatricians in Canada.
- Distribution was facilitated by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Canadian Pediatric Society.
- Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- 145 participants completed the survey, with 46% having over 20 years of experience.
- 23% of respondents plan to retire within 3-5 years, indicating a potential workforce shortage.
- Key workload influencers include translation services (70%), multidisciplinary assessment coordination (64%), and government funding (32%).
Conclusions:
- Addressing developmental pediatrician workload and increasing the workforce are crucial for meeting current needs.
- Recruitment and identifying barriers for trainees are vital for the future viability of specialized developmental care in Canada.
Background:
Neurodevelopmental conditions are common, and many of these conditions benefit from specialized developmental assessments or services from a developmental pediatric clinic. There is limited data about the supply of developmental pediatric subspecialists and limited knowledge about the sustainability of the current workforce providing this care in Canada.
Objectives:
To understand the current Canadian developmental pediatric workforce, we conducted a survey to determine: (1) The demographic profile of developmental pediatric professionals who comprise the current workforce and their career plans; (2) The challenges and trends to inform future resource planning; and (3) Opportunities for innovative provision of developmental care in pediatrics.
Design/Methods:
A 31-item questionnaire was cross-sectionally distributed to practicing developmental pediatricians in Canada. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and Canadian Pediatric Society Section of Developmental Pediatrics assisted with the distribution of the survey to its membership. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 145 participants completed the study (91% response). Forty-six percent (n = 65) of the participants had >20 years of experience. Within the next 3 to 5 years, 23% (n = 32) of respondents' plan to retire completely from practice. Trends influencing the present workload of developmental pediatricians included: (1) requirements for translation services (endorsed by 70% of respondents); (2) coordination issues with multidisciplinary assessments (endorsed by 64%); and (3) the influence of government funding resources for specific neurodevelopmental disorders (endorsed by 32%).
Conclusions:
Addressing issues affecting developmental pediatrician workload and increasing the developmental pediatric workforce will be vital to address current needs. The viability of specialized developmental care in Canada will rely on recruitment and identifying barriers that inhibit trainees and physicians from choosing to practice in the field of developmental pediatrics.
More Related Videos
06:16Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
05:04Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Data Collection by Survey
Cross-Sectional Research
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Types of Surveys
Longitudinal Research
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...