Pediatric Resident University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center The University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Background: COVID-19 has reintroduced the idea that many residents and physicians lack formal education in Disaster Medicine (DM). In 2003, the Association of American Medical Colleges recommended DM training for all medical students. However, in 2009 survey of 523 medical students, only 17.2% reported receiving adequate training. In our pediatric residency training program, we currently have no formal DM curriculum. This study sought to describe the perceived needs and educational priorities of OUHSC Pediatric residents and their teaching faculty on the principles of DM, with the ultimate goal of guiding future training in order to improve quality of care in various disaster scenarios.
Objective:
Design/Methods: Two distinct, one-time surveys were created (resident and faculty), assessing self-perception of DM knowledge, current DM training at OUHSC, personal knowledge and utilization of existing DM resources, and appropriate DM responsibilities given variations in training level and specialty training. Following IRB approval, the survey was sent anonymously via Qualtrics in October 2020 to OUHSC Pediatric and Internal Medicine-Pediatric residents level PGY-2 or higher (n = 45) and pediatric teaching faculty (n = 110). PGY-1 level residents were excluded, as they would be unfamiliar with DM training provided previously.
Estimation of Knowledge of the disaster principles (1 no knowledge - 5 very knowledgeable): Residents: Highest mean knowledge: PPE (3.44). Lowest: legal (1.47). Faculty: Highest PPE (3.85); Lowest: Navigating insurance in case of personal or family illness (1.67)
Educational priority of Disaster Principles (1 not a priority – 5 top priority). Resident: Highest mean priority of PPE (4.19). Lowest: Data Collection (2.58). Faculty: Highest PPE (3.93). Lowest mean priority given to Data Collection (2.57).
Open ended responses were directed at improving general/honest communication and cohesion/coordination of policy implementation Conclusion(s): The majority of both residents and faculty felt they needed additional training in DM and that OUHSC could benefit from a coordinated Disaster Response Protocol. This survey provided data regarding individual experience with and perceived knowledge of various types of disasters as well as supported the notion trainees should be involved in the care of patients during a disaster. Thus, this survey can serve as an initial roadmap for the development of a DM protocol and curriculum for Pediatric faculty and trainees.
Figure 1. Resident and Faculty agreement with statements on DM training
Authors/Institutions: Kyle Mihaylo, The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States; Casey Hester, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
