487 - A Needs Assessment Survey of Pediatrics Resident Engagement in Advocacy

An increase in the promotion of advocacy by governing medical bodies has prompted incorporation of advocacy training into pediatrics residency. Few studies have investigated the perceptions by trainees of the importance of advocacy training or their confidence in participating in advocacy efforts.

Objective:

To assess pediatrics resident physicians’ confidence in participating in various forms of advocacy and to identify gaps in advocacy training and in pediatricians’ ability to participate in advocacy efforts.

Design/Methods: Cross-sectional anonymous survey of pediatrics residents at a large children’s hospital assessing participation in and perceptions about advocacy, distributed via email in December 2022. Data collection is ongoing. The survey was synthesized from published surveys and expert opinion and piloted/validated prior to use. It included a combination of closed-ended, 5-point Likert scale questions and open responses. Initial analysis consisted of summary statistics and Fisher’s Exact test. Additional analyses prior to PAS will include multivariate logistic regression investigating the associations between resident demographics and attitudes about advocacy.

Results:

As of abstract submission, of 145 resident physicians, a total of 52 individuals completed the survey (response rate 36%). Demographics with association to participation in advocacy are found in Table 1. 48% reported past or current participation in advocacy. Most respondents agreed that advocacy is important for both general pediatricians (98%) and subspecialists (88%). 90% of respondents felt personal obligation to participate in child health advocacy. Over 90% felt that current advocacy training for pediatrics residents can be improved. Notable associations between participation in advocacy and perceptions of advocacy are found in Table 2. The top three barriers to participating in child health advocacy included lack of time, mentorship, or advocacy skills. The top three institutional actions respondents would like to see to improve advocacy participation were including short advocacy updates as part of Grand Rounds, creating social media campaigns, and providing structured opportunities for advocacy authorship.

Conclusion(s):

Pediatrics residents overwhelmingly feel that advocacy is important for pediatricians. However, discrepancies in confidence and adequacy of advocacy training in pediatrics residency may contribute to a lack of translation into participation in advocacy efforts. Pediatrics residents desire more support from academic institutions in the form of practical tools and resources for advocacy participation.