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. 2008 Jun;54(6):876, 876.e1-4.

The early years: child development in undergraduate medical school training

Linda Comley  1 , Magdalena Janus, Denise Marshall, Alison Niccols
Affiliations

The early years: child development in undergraduate medical school training

Linda Comley et al. Can Fam Physician. 2008 Jun.

Abstract
in English, French

Problem addressed: There are substantial gaps in knowledge about early child development among graduating family physicians.

Objective of program: The main objective of this program was to develop, implement, and evaluate an early child development curriculum for undergraduate medical clerks doing their family medicine rotations.

Program description: The Early Years Program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont, consists of 2 small group sessions during the family medicine rotation and a site visit to a community agency that provides services to families with young children. The curriculum is delivered by interprofessional facilitator dyads: a family physician and another professional. The content covers areas such as newborn assessment, developmental screening and referrals, parenting issues, pregnancy, preconception, and prevention, and is supported by case studies, videos, and community resources.

Conclusion: Based on casual feedback and formal evaluations, we conclude that the overall goal of launching the Early Years Program-to address previously identified gaps-has been achieved. We continue to improve the program to meet the challenges of the ever changing undergraduate health science education.

PROBLÈME À L’ÉTUDE: Lorsqu’ils obtiennent leur licence, les médecins de famille ont une connaissance incomplète du développement précoce de l’enfant.

OBJECTIF DU PROGRAMME: Le principal objectif du programme était d’élaborer, de mettre en œuvre et d’évaluer des cours sur le développement précoce de l’enfant à l’intention des étudiants en médecine de premier cycle effectuant leurs stages de médecine familiale.

DESCRIPTION DU PROGRAMME: Le Programme des premières années à l’Université McMaster de Hamilton, en Ontario, est composé de 2 sessions en petits groupes durant les stages de médecine familiale et d’une visite à une agence qui offre des services à des familles avec jeunes enfants. Le cours est donné par des dyades de moniteurs comprenant un médecin de famille et un autre professionnel. Il couvre des domaines comme l’évaluation du nouveau-né, la surveillance du développement et les demandes de consultation, les questions relatives à l’éducation, la grossesse, la préconception et la prévention; il est enrichi par des études de cas, des vidéos et des ressources communautaires.

CONCLUSION: Des commentaires anecdotiques et une évaluation formelle nous permettent de conclure que le but général de l’instauration du Programme des premières années – combler des déficiences préalablement identifiées – avait été atteint. Nous continuons d’améliorer le programme pour répondre aux défis en constante évolution de la formation de premier cycle en sciences de la santé.

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