The Effect of Multi-source Feedback on Core Competencies of Pediatric Residents.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to evaluate impact of multisource feedback in pediatric residency training. METHODS: A crossover study of pediatric residents at Wadia Children's Hospital was conducted with assessment of core competencies like knowledge, practice-based learning, system-based practice, professionalism, communication skills and interpersonal interaction. After randomization both groups (A and B) were given MSF and traditional feedback, respectively and later the groups were crossed over to other method of feedback. Control faculty assessed both groups at three points - Pre-intervention, after first and after second intervention. RESULTS: There were 16 residents in each group (13,7,7 in first, second and third year of residency, respectively). Both groups had comparable scores in all six competencies at entry point. Group A after MSF showed significant improvement in all six competencies (all P<0.01). No significant improvement was observed in group B after traditional feedback. After cross-over to MSF, group B showed statistically significant improvement in all core competencies. Traditional feedback to group A after crossover showed statistically significant improvement only in knowledge, professionalism and system based practice. OUTCOME: MSF was beneficial in improving competency based performance scores in pediatric residents.

Tuberculosis prevalence, knowledge of transmission and its association with vaccination of children.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the perceptions of patients regarding tuberculosis (TB) will enable better design of a comprehensive, client-oriented program for the disease. METHODS: This study was conducted district-wise across India in 2015-2016 as part of the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS). RESULTS: We discovered that the prevalence of TB remains significantly high, with quite a high percentage of people being unaware of the exact cause of disease proliferation. The majority of people believed that touching or sharing utensils can be a source of TB. This perception affected the participants' responses about seeking diagnosis and treatment. However, it is a good sign that most people knew that TB is a curable disease that can be prevented to some extent if immunization with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is done at the correct stage. So, a large section of the population had their children vaccinated. In addition, they would go for diagnosis if they had symptoms suggestive of the disease. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study are indicative of the fact that a large population is aware that health facilities can make a significant contribution to the treatment of tuberculosis. There is a need to further investigate how this information could potentially be used to enhance early seeking of appropriate services among TB patients.