SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Pediatric Hospitalists' Perspectives on Physical Examination and Device Management Skills for Children With Medical Complexity: Gaps, Interests, and Training Preferences

Pediatric Hospitalists' Perspectives on Physical Examination and Device Management Skills for Children With Medical Complexity: Gaps, Interests, and Training Preferences

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This cross-sectional survey studied pediatric hospitalists’ views on physical examination and device-management skills needed to care for children with medical complexity (CMC). The goal was to measure how important hospitalists thought these skills were, how satisfied they were with their current proficiency, how they learned these skills, and what training they preferred.<br /><br />A national convenience sample of pediatric hospitalists who supervise residents was surveyed using a 25-item REDCap questionnaire; 221 of 268 responded (82.5%). Hospitalists rated both physical exam and device-management skills as important, but only reported moderate satisfaction with their own proficiency. Mean satisfaction scores were 3.30 for physical exam skills and 3.02 for device-management skills. Perceived importance was slightly higher, with mean scores of 3.58 and 3.41, respectively.<br /><br />Most respondents had learned these skills informally, often through on-the-job experience during residency (82.4%) or through discussions with complex care specialists (72.9%), institutional guidelines (62%), and online resources (48.4%). However, 11.8% were unsure which resources to use. The preferred learning format was formal, guided, hands-on training with experienced providers (89.4%).<br /><br />Nearly all respondents (96%) were at least somewhat interested in improving both skill areas, especially neuromuscular examination, tracheostomy management, and feeding tube care. Free-text comments suggested that hospitalists who viewed these skills as less important often relied more on subspecialists and nurses.<br /><br />The authors conclude that pediatric hospitalists recognize the importance of these competencies but have only moderate confidence in them, and current training is often informal and inconsistent. They recommend standardized, hands-on, specialist-led curricula for both trainees and faculty to improve care for CMC.

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 Pediatric Hospitalist

Concept Children with Medical Complexity

Concept Physical Examination

Concept Device Management

Concept Medical Skill

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Phoenix Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Lindsay Podraza

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric hospitalists

children with medical complexity

physical examination skills

device-management skills

survey study

proficiency satisfaction

hands-on training

resident supervision

tracheostomy management

feeding tube care

Pediatric Hospitalist

Children with Medical Complexity

Physical Examination

Device Management

Medical Skill