Implementation and assessment of a structured curriculum for a 4-week pediatric rheumatology rotation for pediatric residents
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
14726920
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85182803317
Pubmed ID
38263148
Journal Title
BMC Medical Education
Volume
24
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC Medical Education Vol.24 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Sukharomana M., Charuvanij S. Implementation and assessment of a structured curriculum for a 4-week pediatric rheumatology rotation for pediatric residents. BMC Medical Education Vol.24 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1186/s12909-024-05043-8 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/95811
Title
Implementation and assessment of a structured curriculum for a 4-week pediatric rheumatology rotation for pediatric residents
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Abstract
Background: General pediatricians often initially address children’s musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and play a crucial role in triaging and managing patients’ rheumatologic conditions. This study assessed the effectiveness of a structured curriculum in enhancing pediatric residents’ knowledge, MSK examination skills, and confidence during a 4-week pediatric rheumatology rotation. Methods: Pediatric residents in their either second or third year who participated in the 4-week rheumatology rotation once across three academic years (July 2020–June 2023) were enrolled. Residents’ knowledge, MSK examination skills, and confidence were assessed at pre- and post-rotation by using 25 multiple-choice questions, the Thai pediatric Gait Arms Legs Spine examination, and a questionnaire, respectively. The curriculum comprised instruction on MSK examinations, interactive lectures, case-based discussion, topic reviews, MSK radiology conference, clinical experience in rheumatology clinic and consultations, with self-guided learning with educational resources. Results: Fifty-eight pediatric residents (48 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 28.9 ± 0.8 years participated. Significant improvements were noted postrotation. Knowledge scores rose from 63.0 ± 12.2 to 79.7 ± 9.1 (mean difference 16.7 ± 10.3, p < 0.001). Similarly, MSK examination scores increased from 67.5 ± 14.4 to 93.6 ± 8.7 (mean difference 26.1 ± 14.6, p < 0.001). Residents also reported a marked increase in confidence across all evaluated areas, including history taking, MSK examination, arthrocentesis, and diagnosing and treating rheumatologic conditions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The 4-week structured curriculum in the pediatric rheumatology rotation significantly enhanced pediatric residents’ knowledge, MSK examination skills, and confidence. These findings support the integration of pediatric rheumatology rotations into pediatric residency training programs.