Integrating Lived Experience Into Medical Education Related to Children With Medical Complexity or Developmental...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Healthcare
• Patient and Family Engagement

Background:

• Involving individuals with lived experience in medical education benefits students, caregivers, and patients.
• Effective inclusion of lived experience is crucial for educating future physicians on caring for children with medical complexity or developmental disabilities.
• A synthesis of current literature is needed to guide the integration of lived experience in medical education for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review identifying and synthesizing literature on the inclusion of lived experiences of children with medical complexity or developmental disabilities and their caregivers in medical education.
• To determine the stages of curricular development where lived experience is incorporated.
• To examine the level of engagement of people with lived experience in the medical education process.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was performed using multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, ERIC, Academic Search Premier, Google Scholar).
• Studies focused on patient and caregiver involvement in medical education for children with medical complexity or developmental disabilities were included; continuing professional development studies were excluded.
• Data extraction followed Kern's 6-step approach to curriculum development, analyzing the stage and level of engagement of individuals with lived experience.

Main Results:

• Searches identified 4382 unique articles, with 30 ultimately included in the scoping review after screening.
• Data extraction and analysis commenced in July 2024.
• The review systematically examined how lived experience is integrated into the 6 steps of curriculum development and characterized engagement levels.

Conclusions:

• The findings will highlight areas for enhancing medical education regarding the care of children with medical complexity or developmental disabilities.
• The results will inform the development of medical school curricula, ensuring meaningful roles for individuals with lived experience.
• This integration aims to cultivate more patient- and family-centered physicians, ultimately improving care for children with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities.