Resident University of Colorado School of Medicine Denver, Colorado, United States
Background: Pediatric residents (PRs) recognize the important role they play in supporting breastfeeding for their patients, yet many residents lack the knowledge and skill to manage breastfeeding problems. A local needs assessment identified a gap in PR ability to provide effective breastfeeding education for families. Thus, a breastfeeding curriculum is needed for residency programs. Objective: To develop, implement, and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a new breastfeeding curriculum for PRs. Design/Methods: Informed by self-determination theory, we developed and implemented a breastfeeding curriculum that was incorporated into the residency program’s existing academic half-day (AHD), a 3-hour block conference format. A single breastfeeding AHD was conducted for senior (PGY-2/3) PRs in October 2023. Learning activities were a large group overview (‘Breastfeeding 101’) and three rotating small group discussions: ‘Achieving an Effective Latch’, ‘Assessing Growth in Breastfeeding Infants’, and ‘Troubleshooting Breastfeeding Challenges’. Topics were chosen based on input from program directors and PRs, and review of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Breastfeeding Curriculum. At the end of the AHD, residents were asked to complete an anonymous online survey evaluation aimed at assessing the efficacy of individual components and the curriculum as a whole. Results: Of 66 senior residents in the residency program, 13 attended this Breastfeeding AHD. Twelve residents completed the evaluation (92% response rate). PRs rated teaching effectiveness of each session on a 4-point Likert scale (1=not at all effective and 4=very effective). Mean scores for each session were: Breastfeeding 101 (3.9), Achieving an Effective Latch (3.2), ‘Assessing/Supporting Growth in Breastfeeding Infants’ (3.8), and ‘Troubleshooting Breastfeeding Challenges’ (3.7). In addition, compared to how they felt before the AHD, PRs rated a 3.4 (1=about the same, 4=a lot more) for ‘to what degree they are now able to support breastfeeding for their patients’. Themes identified through free response included the absence of this education elsewhere in their education and appreciating hands-on education. Table 1 includes illustrative quotes.
Conclusion(s): Senior pediatric residents valued breastfeeding education. Further work is needed to provide this education to all pediatric residents during their training, and to explore the impact of this curriculum on resident behavior in the clinical setting.
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