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Abstract Details

Improving Pediatric Resident Confidence and Competence in Communication with Patients with Disabilities
Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology
P8 - Poster Session 8 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)
5-006

The goal of this study is to 1) assess the self-reported confidence of general pediatric residents in communicating with developmentally disabled patients and families and 2) assess changes in confidence levels after a brief educational intervention. 

Pediatric residents care for children with disabilities across a variety of clinical contexts.  Developmental disabilities can be challenging for physicians to discuss with families, and respectfully communicating with individuals with developmental disabilities can be difficult. Negative interactions with families can impair communication, damage the doctor-patient relationship, and ultimately worsen patient outcomes.  Targeted educational interventions may improve health care providers’ knowledge and attitudes towards people with disabilities.
We surveyed the UT Southwestern pediatric residents in 2018 to assess self-reported comfort level and sense of competence related to various elements of communicating with patients with disabilities. The survey included multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended responses. Based on survey results, we developed an educational workshop for the residents including lecture, case-based learning, and patient family panel discussion.  A post-workshop survey will be sent to assess changes in self-reported confidence and competence.
Initial survey results demonstrated that 58.2% of residents had little or no experience with people with disabilities prior to residency.  Residents reported confidence assessing development in typically developing children (85.5% responding 4 or 5 on 5 point confidence Likert scale) in contrast to decreased comfort discussing new diagnoses of developmental delay or other disabilities (16.3% responding 4 or 5). Free responses reported discomfort discussing prognosis and level of functional impairment. 
Surveys of general pediatric residents at UT Southwestern demonstrated discomfort in communicating with patients with disabilities and their families, especially regarding discussion of diagnosis and prognosis.  This knowledge gap can be addressed by a brief educational intervention which may improve patient and family experiences in health-related encounters and possibly improve clinical outcomes.
Authors/Disclosures
Megan Bone, MD (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
PRESENTER 		Dr. Bone has nothing to disclose.
Tyler A. Terrill, MD (UT Southwestern Medical Center) No disclosure on file
Kimberly Goodspeed, MD (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) The institution of Dr. Goodspeed has received research support from Neurogene, Inc.