Outcomes of a randomized controlled educational intervention to train pediatric residents on caring for children with special health care needs

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate an innovative curriculum meeting new pediatric residency education guidelines, Special Care Optimization for Patients and Education (SCOPE).

Methods: Residents were randomized to intervention (n = 23) or control (n = 25) groups. Intervention residents participated in SCOPE, pairing them with a child with special health care needs (CSHCN) and faculty mentor to make a home visit, complete care coordination toolkits, and participate in case discussions. The primary outcome was resident self-efficacy in nine skills in caring for CSHCN. Secondary outcomes included curriculum feasibility/acceptance, resident attitudes, and family satisfaction.

Results: Response rates were ≥65%. Intervention residents improved in their self-efficacy for setting patient-centered goals compared with controls (mean change on 4-point Likert-type scale, 1.36 vs 0.56, P < .05). SCOPE was feasible/acceptable, residents had improved attitudes toward CSHCN, and families reported high satisfaction.

Conclusion: SCOPE may serve as a model for efforts to increase residents' self-efficacy in their care of patients with chronic disease.

Keywords: children with special health care needs; chronic illness; curriculum; graduate medical education; patient-centered care; resident.