Teaching Community Pediatrics: A Community Resource Fair for Residents

Abstract

Pediatric residency programs are required to provide community and child advocacy experiences, but providing such community knowledge within the context of a busy, largely hospital-based training program can be challenging. To assess the effectiveness of a community resource fair as a tool for increasing residents' knowledge of community-oriented care resources. We organized a community resource fair for pediatrics and family medicine residents. Exhibitors (n = 31) represented a wide range of pediatric resources. An anonymous preassessment and postassessment was administered. Thirty-two trainees participated in the resource fair. On the basis of the preassessment, 62% (8 of 13) of the pediatrics residents reported that they had little or no knowledge about community resources, while 38% (5 of 13) were neutral; none felt somewhat or very knowledgeable. After the fair, 91% (10 of 11) of residents felt somewhat knowledgeable and 9% (1 of 11) felt very knowledgeable about community resources. Of the resident participants, 92% (12 of 13) found this to be a "worthwhile experience." The community resource fair provides an interactive format that brings residents and community organizations face-to-face to discuss what services are offered and how they can work together to coordinate patient care.