258 - NICU Basics - A Neonatology Podcast and Its Effects on Resident Education

Poster Number: 258
Publication Number: 258.330

Jupin Chacko, Comer Children's Hospital at University of Chicago Medical Center, Bridgeview, IL, United States; Gillian Brennan, Comer Children's Hospital at University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Matthew Pellerite, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Priti Jani, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States; Nicola Orlov, Comer Children's Hospital at University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States

Background: The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a very unique and somewhat intimidating clinical environment, where the learning curve for new trainees is often steep. The traditional education for residents in the NICU is primarily bedside teaching, traditional didactic lectures & more recently, simulation. However, clinical demands and enforcement of duty hours frequently limits the time available for teaching and learning. Additionally, the culture of education has changed amongst new trainees, with many seeking alternative media for educational purposes, such as YouTube videos & podcasts. The goal of this project is to create an accessible neonatology podcast series (“NICU Basics”) directed at pediatric residents during their NICU rotation in order to augment their foundation of knowledge in the field of neonatology & provide them with improved confidence during their NICU rotations.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a neonatology podcast series (“NICU Basics”) on the education of pediatric residents.

Design/Methods: This study utilized an ongoing prospective cohort from the University of Chicago Medical Center for the 2021-22 academic year.  A formal needs assessment was completed from both neonatology fellows & pediatric residents. This data informed the development of a neonatology podcast series located on accessible platforms. The curriculum, while still growing, currently consists of 3 podcasts focusing on ventilator basics, fluid management & blood gas basics and was created to pilot the utilization & learning from pediatric trainees. All residents are being given access to the podcast series during their NICU rotation. All pediatric & medicine/pediatric residents are eligible to participate. Participation is voluntary. A pre-survey and post-survey for each podcast are being used to assess their change in knowledge & level of comfort regarding the topics covered by the podcast.

Results: Data collection is ongoing. Preliminary data shows a clear improvement in resident comfort in the NICU & their perceived confidence in managing ventilators, fluids & blood gasses. Based on knowledge test results, preliminary data shows an average improvement in scores from 66.5% correct responses to 92%.Conclusion(s): A neonatology Podcast series (“NICU Basics”) has the potential to significantly augment the knowledge base of residents in the field of neonatology.  This novel approach can bring timely & accessible learning to trainees and potentially provide them with improved confidence during their NICU rotations.
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NICU Basics Podcasts