Pediatric Residency Graduates Preparedness for Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship: The Perspective of First-Year Fellows

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to report on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (NPM) fellows' views of self-preparedness upon starting postresidency training. Study Design We conducted a national survey of first-year NPM fellows in the United States. The validated survey had five major areas: professionalism, psychomotor ability, independence/graduated responsibility, clinical evaluation, and academia. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the free-text answers were categorized. Results Of 228 potential first-year NPM fellows, 140 (61%) initially responded to the survey. Overall, the fellows perceived themselves positively in professionalism and independence/graduated responsibility domains. Marked variability was observed in perceived preparedness in psychomotor ability, with confidence in neonatal intubation and arterial line placement of 86 and 49%, respectively. Lack of confidence in performing neonatal intubation procedures correlates with lack of attempts. The majority (75%) of fellows reported being interested in academia, but less than half felt capable of writing an article. Conclusion First-year NPM fellows identified deficiencies in the domains of psychomotor ability and academia. Residency and fellowship programs should partner to address these deficiencies.

Pediatric Residency Preparedness for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship

“…12,15 Furthermore, neonatology-perinatology PDs felt that their fellows were not prepared in residency for any of the ACGME required psychomotor skills, whereas neonatologyperinatology fellows thought that they were prepared for all of these skills during residency. 13,16 This same disparity was seen among the neonatology-perinatology PDs and fellows in their perceptions of preparedness for academia and scholarship. The OB/ GYN PDs expressed neutrality, while general surgery and otolaryngology PDs reported overall preparedness in this domain.…”

“…Interestingly, PD/APDs did note that PEM fellows have a genuine interest in academic projects and a motivation to advance the field of pediatrics or EM. A similar disparity in perceptions occurred between PDs and fellows in neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowships in this domain 13,16 . However, not all residency programs may have the resources or infrastructure to increase scholarly activity.…”

“…Our findings have both similarities and differences compared with the perception of preparedness of trainees in other specialties. Using similar survey questions, fellowship trainees from general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), otolaryngology, and neonatology-perinatology were all felt to be well prepared in the domains of professionalism, clinical evaluation, and independence by their respective PDs 12,13,15–17 . General surgery and OB/GYN PDs also believed that their respective fellows were less prepared in specific psychomotor skills 12,15 .…”

“…Using similar survey questions, fellowship trainees from general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), otolaryngology, and neonatology-perinatology were all felt to be well prepared in the domains of professionalism, clinical evaluation, and independence by their respective PDs. 12,13,[15][16][17] General surgery and OB/GYN PDs also believed that their respective fellows were less prepared in specific psychomotor skills. 12,15 Furthermore, neonatology-perinatology PDs felt that their fellows were not prepared in residency for any of the ACGME required psychomotor skills, whereas neonatologyperinatology fellows thought that they were prepared for all of these skills during residency.…”

“…A similar disparity in perceptions occurred between PDs and fellows in neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowships in this domain. 13,16 However, not all residency programs may have the resources or infrastructure to increase scholarly activity. Familiarity with principles of quality improvement and the ability to critically appraise the literature are important skills for all pediatric residents, regardless of their career path.…”