APPD 2014 Research AbstractTrends in Resident Education in Youth Violence
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Objectives
To evaluate Chicago pediatric and emergency medicine (EM) residents’ previous training in youth violence, to examine residents’ self-perceived level of competence in youth violence prevention and to assess the types of youth violence seen in clinical practice.
Background
Youth violence is a serious threat to young people in the US. Through routine screening physicians have an opportunity to attempt to reduce youth violence.
Methods
Emails were sent to all pediatric and EM residency directors in the Chicago area inviting them to participate in the study. Participating programs received written surveys, which were distributed and collected during the first 10 minutes of an educational conference. An electronic version of the survey was then sent to residents, targeting those who were not in attendance to complete the written form. Surveys were collected from April 2013–October 2013.
Results
A total of 8 pediatric and 6 EM programs were invited to participate. Seven pediatric and 2 EM programs completed surveys. Of the 355 surveys distributed, 197 (55%) were returned. Of residents surveyed, 56% reported receiving formal youth violence education in medical school and 60% in residency. Lectures were the most common modality used in both settings. Sixty three percent of residents viewed their training thus far as less than adequate; 11% reported no preparation at all. Eighty one
Conclusions
Youth violence is an important topic in medical education that residents encounter but feel inadequately trained to counsel families about. The differences in type and stage of violence encountered in pediatrics versus EM settings suggest that it may be prudent to tailor the educational curriculum at the residency level based on the type of violence most prevalent.