Evaluating Hospice and Palliative Medicine Education in Pediatric Sub-Specialty Training Programs (S791)

Abstract

Objectives Assess formal Hospice and Palliative Medicine education currently in place in pediatric sub-specialty training programs. Assess attitudes towards and modalities utilized in HPM education for pediatric sub-specialty training programs. Original Research Background. Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) competencies are a growing area of importance in the training of other pediatric subspecialties. In 2009, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) provided further emphasis; stating that pediatric trainees should understand the ‘‘impact of chronic disease, terminal conditions and death on patients and their families.’’ Despite this emphasis, there may still be a continued deficit of formal HPM training in other pediatric sub-specialties. Research Objectives. To identify the presence, teaching methods, and attitudes toward training opportunities in HPM competencies in pediatric subspecialty training. Methods. A Research Electronic Data Capture survey was sent via e-mail to all 287 ACGME accredited pediatric training program directors (PDs) in cardiology, critical care medicine (CCM), hematology-oncology (Heme/Onc), and neonatology (NICU) to assess demographics & HPM attitudes and education practices. Results. The total response rate was 35.5% (102/287) with 17.6% Cardiology, 31.3% CCM, 22.5% Heme/ Onc, and 28.4% NICU. Of these 102 programs, 46% offer formal HPM training; Heme/Onc (55%) the highest. HPM training commonly included conferences, HPM consultations and bedside teaching. 93.3% (14) Cardiology, 82.8% (24) CCM, 40.9% (9) Heme/Onc, and 75% (21) NICU programs do not offer a formal HPM rotation. 73% of programs felt that HPM curriculum would improve trainees’ ability to care for patients. Most [Cardiology (77%), CCM (82%) and Heme/Onc (95%)] agree that a HPM rotation would enhance trainees’ education, except for NICU PDs (55%) (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion. Despite most programs reporting benefit from a formal HPM training, there remains a paucity of opportunities for pediatric subspecialty trainees. While there is differing aspiration for new training methods; there is significant opportunity to further emphasize HPM in other Pediatric specialty training. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. Further investigation is needed into the current barriers to implementing training in HPM competencies, as well as into the impact on the trainees in other Pediatric subspecialties.