1176 Survey Of Knowledge Of Pediatric Trainees Regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes significant morbidity in children. Very few studies were conducted among pediatricians regarding sleep and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. They demonstrated significant gaps in knowledge in the recognition and management of OSA. Methods We conducted a survey among the pediatric residents in the screening and diagnosis of OSA. The survey consist of 15 questions related to OSA in children. It aimed at identifying gaps in their knowledge and educating them accordingly. Following the survey, core lectures were included in the pediatric curriculum which aimed at educating them with the causes, diagnosis, management and sequelae of untreated OSA. Results 37 pediatric residents took part in the survey. They were from first, second and third year of the pediatric residency training program respectively in an university hospital. 45% of them belong to the first year, 29% of them belong to the second year and 24% of them belong to the third year of training.Only a quarter of them had completed rotations in Pediatric Pulmonology for at least two weeks at the time of the survey. Three questions related to identifying at risk groups, four questions related to identification of the signs and symptoms, and three questions related to the diagnostic criteria and five questions related to the treatment and follow up of OSA. 46% of the residents accurately answered the questions related to screening and identifying children at risk of OSA. 57% of them identified the signs and symptoms of OSA in children.41% of them answered the questions related to diagnosis appropriately and 49% had correct responses for the questions related to treatment of OSA and follow up. Conclusion Less than 50% of the pediatric trainees could accurately identify the at risk groups and symptoms of OSA. These pediatric trainees who are future pediatricians form the referral source for children with OSA and educating them is vital.This reemphasizes the need for the pediatric training programmes to include mandatory training modules related to Pediatric sleep disorders, OSA in particular in the pediatric core curriculum. Support None