SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Navigating Complex Waters: An Assessment of Pediatric Hospitalists' Confidence Surrounding Physical Examination and Device Skills Related to Complex Medical Care

Navigating Complex Waters: An Assessment of Pediatric Hospitalists' Confidence Surrounding Physical Examination and Device Skills Related to Complex Medical Care

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This cross-sectional survey study examined pediatric hospitalists’ confidence in performing and teaching physical exam and device-management skills related to children with medical complexity (CMC). Although medical advances have increased survival for these children, many hospitalists lack formal training in these specialized skills, and resident confidence in CMC care remains low.<br /><br />A 25-item REDCap survey was sent to a national convenience sample of pediatric hospitalists who supervise residents. The analysis focused on nine questions. The response rate was 82.5% (221/268). Most respondents were mid-career (68%), with 26.5% early-career and 6.4% late-career; 32% had completed pediatric hospital medicine fellowship training.<br /><br />Overall confidence was moderate for identifying/describing devices (mean 3.22/4) and physical exam skills (mean 3.63/4), but lower for troubleshooting devices (mean 2.56/4). More years in practice were associated with higher confidence in neuromuscular examination, while fellowship training was strongly associated with greater confidence in both identifying and troubleshooting devices. Interestingly, respondents with access to dedicated complex care providers reported lower confidence across all domains.<br /><br />The most common barriers to teaching these skills were lack of time, lack of resources, lack of standardized curricula, limited provider confidence, and limited trainee interest.<br /><br />The authors conclude that there are clear gaps in both performing and teaching complex care-related skills among pediatric hospitalists. They recommend faculty development initiatives and targeted training, especially for experienced clinicians who may not have had device exposure during training. Pediatric hospital medicine fellowship training appears to improve confidence and may help prepare future clinical educators.

Asset Subtitle

Lindsay Podraza

Meta Tag

Author List Edward L. Swing, Jennifer S. Hall, Jillian Wall, Lauren S. Starnes, Lindsay Podraza, Nehal H. Thakkar, Sandra L. Gage, Vasudha Bhavaraju

Category Research

Concept Confidence

Concept Children with Medical Complexity

Concept Pediatric Hospitalist

Concept Physical Examination

Concept Medical Device

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Phoenix Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Lindsay Podraza

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric hospitalists

children with medical complexity

physical examination

device management

clinical confidence

resident education

survey study

fellowship training

faculty development

complex care

Confidence

Children with Medical Complexity

Pediatric Hospitalist

Physical Examination

Medical Device