Innovative Pediatric Resident Training in Behavioral Health and Communication: Pilot Study Results

• Published in: Clinical practice in pediatric psychology 2022-03, Vol.10 (1), p.20-31
• Main Authors: Herbst, Rachel Becker, Burkhardt, Mary Carol, Filigno, Stephanie S., Kerr, Amy, Boat, Thomas F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ability; Clinics; Communication; Curriculum Development; Female; Health Care Psychology; Human; Intervention; Male; Medical Residency; Pediatrics; Prevention; Primary Health Care; Socioemotional Functioning; Training
• ISSN: 2169-4826; 2169-4834
• DOI: 10.1037/cpp0000388

Objective: Pediatricians and pediatric residency program directors recognize that training on social-emotional and behavioral health in residency is not adequate preparation for future practice. Pediatric psychologists' expertise in the behavioral dimensions of health and facilitating learners' skill development can help meet these training gaps. We developed a novel resident training curriculum in pediatric primary care focused on knowledge and skill development in the key areas of behavioral health and effective communication. This study examined the curriculum's feasibility, acceptability, and impact on residents' skill development in addressing social-emotional and behavioral health concerns. Methods: Using a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design, we explored the curriculum's effectiveness by comparing subjective and objective measures completed by residents from the intervention clinic (n = 32) and matched control clinic residents (n = 32). Ten intervention clinic residents provided qualitative data about the curriculum's impact. Results: Results indicated that the curriculum was feasible and acceptable. Intervention group residents reported greater knowledge and skills associated with behavioral health screening and surveillance than control group participants and demonstrated significant improvement in the communication skills. Conclusions: Our results highlight the role of pediatric psychologists as coleaders and collaborators within pediatric medical training programs to design and implement training curricula to improve the care and attention that behavioral health issues receive in the primary care setting. Implications for Impact Statement Pediatricians and residency program directors recognize that behavioral health and communication training in residency is insufficient. This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study demonstrates how an innovative curriculum closes gaps, promotes skill development, and provides a foundation for future curricular development and evaluation.