Pediatric resident education in pediatric cardiology – A needs assessment

Abstract

BackgroundDetermining the topics general pediatric residents are taught during an inpatient pediatric cardiology rotation must be selected based on numerous factors, including resident career goals, core topics for board exams, and educator preferences. ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the preferred core cardiology concepts of both learners and educators as well the preferred teaching modalities of general pediatric residents while on an inpatient pediatric cardiology rotation. MethodsAll eligible residents in the Children's National Hospital pediatric residency program who had completed a cardiology rotation as well as pediatric cardiology fellows and attendings were asked to complete a survey. Participation in the study was voluntary. Respondents were asked to answer questions related to the perceived effectiveness and applicability of the cardiology curriculum, specifically inquiring about methods of teaching, the level taught, and the utility of topics selected. ResultsForty-seven (44 %) of the 106 eligible participants completed the survey. Seventeen unique topics in pediatric cardiology were ranked. The highest rated topics included congenital heart disease, murmurs, cardiac physiology, ECG interpretation, and syncope/dizziness. Participants reported the highest satisfaction with whiteboard and bedside teaching. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a strong correlation between what learners and educators perceive should be the topics taught to residents to prepare them for their intended future career goals. These data provide a framework, both in teaching modalities and core concepts, for continued development and reassessment of inpatient pediatric cardiology rotations to optimally prepare pediatric residents with a strong foundation in pediatric cardiology.