255 - Gaps in Residency Education in Pediatric Obesity and a Disconnect between Confidence and Knowledge

Poster Number: 255
Publication Number: 255.419

Emily Roen Nolte, Comer Children's Hospital at University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Deborah L. Burnet, U Chicago, Flossmoor, IL, United States; Bethany K. Hodges, Comer Children's Hospital at University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant, national health concern but intensified in underserved regions of the country, such as the South Side of Chicago. Nationally, obesity prevalence ranges from 14% to 21%, depending on age, whereas prevalence is greater than 50% in several South Side communities. Improvements in residency training curricula may help address this need. Several residency programs in United States have attempted obesity-related educational curricula with myriad outcomes assessed. Lacking though, is a focus on prevention of obesity development and progression and evidence for the most effective educational approach.

Objective: To assess how well residents are able to identify, provide anticipatory guidance on prevention, and manage established overweight/obesity in patients.

Design/Methods: A survey targeting University of Chicago pediatric residents was devised. Questions included current guideline knowledge, confidence level and training received. The association between knowledge and confidence level were assessed. Data was collected using Redcap, and analysis was completed in Excel.

Results: Twentynine residents completed the survey. Overall, 77% of questions related to knowledge of The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines were answered correctly, without significant difference between post-graduate years. Average confidence in ranged from “neutral” to “somewhat confident”. The mean confidence level for questions related to obesity identification was significantly higher than the mean confidence level for questions related to obesity management (p=0.03). The percentage of correct questions regarding AAP guidelines was negatively associated with overall confidence (r= -0.28), though this did not reach statistical significance. Using a scaled score, residents felt they received less than the right amount pediatric obesity training.Conclusion(s): Results suggest a continued need for identifying effective educational strategies for pediatric obesity, given national trends and perceived lack of training. Confidence in this topic lagged behind actual knowledge. Determining how best to meet these needs requires additional investigation. These survey results suggest a focus on obesity management, including skills such as motivational interviewing as a likely targets to boost confidence, build management skills, and address the notable curricular deficits in obesity prevention and progression.