CHALLENGES IN PEDIATRIC EDUCATION
Roberton DM.
Dept
of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Objective: To delineate current needs in education in pediatrics in medical
schools, postgraduate vocational training and continuing education while in
professional practice, and to explore approaches to meeting these needs.
Methods: Review of health care needs of children and young people; review
of curriculum and learning approaches; review of evaluations of outcomes.
Results: The objectives and content of a range of pediatric education
programs were reviewed, including selection processes, learning approaches,
assessments, incorporation of electives and research, and time allocated.
Evaluations of program outcomes were reviewed.
Education in pediatrics must take a population based approach.
Programs should provide a health emphasis as well as a disease based
approach. Challenges identified for the development of pediatric
educational programs are societal changes, changing child health needs,
changing workforce structures, health care system changes, changes in
funding for professional education, and changes in information and
instructional technologies. Educational
programs in pediatrics should provide skills in advocacy for children and their
families.
Workforce needs assessments have an important role in
determining selection criteria for entry to training programs and the
content of educational and continuing professional development programs.
Conclusions: Education programs in pediatrics should have clearly defined
objectives, evaluations which are appropriate to the objectives, and should
continue throughout professional practice. The learning programs must
develop workforce knowledge, skills and functions relevant to the specific
health needs of each country’s population of children and young people.