ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The educational goal of emergency medicine (EM) programs has been to prepare its graduates to provide care for a diverse range of patients and presentations, including pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methods used to teach pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) to EM residents. METHODS: A written questionnaire was distributed to 118 EM programs. Demographic data were requested concerning the type of residency program, number of residents, required pediatric rotations, elective pediatric rotations, type of hospital and settings in which pediatric patients are seen, and procedures performed. Information was also requested on the educational methods used, proctoring EM received, and any formal curriculum used. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent (111/118) of the programs responded, with 80% of surveys completed by the residency director. Proctoring was primarily performed by PEM attendings and general EM attendings. Formal means of PEM education most often included the EM core curriculum (94%), journal club (95%), EM grand rounds (94%), and EM morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference (91%). Rotations and electives most often included the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the emergency department (ED) (general and pediatric). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency medicine residents are exposed to PEM primarily by rotating through a general ED, the PED, and the PICU, being proctored by PEM and EM attendings and attending EM lectures and EM M&M conferences. Areas that may merit further attention for pediatric emergency training include experience in areas of neonatal resuscitation, pediatric M&M, and specific pediatric electives. This survey highlights the need to describe current educational strategies as a first step to assess perceived effectiveness.
