Distance learning on breastfeeding for residents in pediatrics.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and infant health, yet pediatric residency curricula often lack comprehensive breastfeeding education.
• Pediatricians are vital in supporting breastfeeding mothers, but standardized, evidence-based training is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptance and perceived effectiveness of a distance learning course on breastfeeding (DLC-Bf) for pediatric residents in Italy.
• To identify potential improvements for breastfeeding education within pediatric residency training.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study involving 1281 Italian pediatric residents invited to a 11.5-hour asynchronous distance learning course.
• Data collected via a 33-question anonymous online questionnaire assessing course quality, content, format, and usefulness.
• Descriptive statistics used to analyze participant perceptions and course completion rates.

Main Results:

• 74.2% accessed the course, and 40.4% completed at least 90%. However, only 23% finished the entire course, with a low survey response rate (13.2%).
• High satisfaction reported for course clarity, clinical relevance, and usefulness, especially for modules on common breastfeeding issues.
• Nearly two-thirds of residents identified discrepancies between course content and hospital training practices, particularly regarding common breastfeeding problem management.

Conclusions:

• The distance learning course on breastfeeding was well-received, indicating a demand for structured breastfeeding education in pediatric training.
• Low completion rates and noted practice-content discrepancies suggest a need for enhanced course design, potentially more interactive and clinically focused modules.
• Further research is needed to assess the impact of such courses on residents' knowledge, attitudes, and skills in supporting breastfeeding.