Development of a Bright Futures curriculum for pediatric residents

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardized case-based curriculum for pediatric residents on child growth, development, behavior, and adolescent medicine that incorporates the Bright Futures health supervision guidelines.

DESIGN

This project included a needs assessment, development of a list of important topics, writing and revising of standardized cases, formative evaluation of cases, and efficacy pilot testing of 2 cases.

SETTING

A large pediatric teaching hospital continuity clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Pediatric residents, fellows, and faculty.

INTERVENTIONS

Preparation of standardized cases, facilitator training, and resident-led teaching conferences.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Learner and facilitator evaluation forms and two 10-item diagnostic skills assessments.

RESULTS

During the project, faculty-fellow teams wrote 29 case-teaching modules. All participants gave high ratings to cases, and resident facilitators reported increased comfort with the case discussion method. Resident learners' ability to accurately interpret developmental screening tests and growth charts improved following sessions on those topics.

CONCLUSIONS

Further evaluation is required, but these standardized cases appear promising for teaching pediatric residents. The curriculum is now freely available to faculty nationwide.