University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Problem:

Developmental and behavioral (DBP) conditions are significant and increasing, and the number of trained professionals to care for those children is inadequate. Graduates of our program will be trained to positively impact this national problem by becoming leaders in the field of DBP. Goals and Objectives (in priority order): Goal 4: To train fellows in the awareness of the larger community in which they practice, training them to be future leaders in the field of DBP and advocates for children, particularly vulnerable populations. Objective 4.2: By the end of their training, fellows will, partner with Title V or other community-based program, or agency to provide technical assistance to a project needing DBP expertise. Objective 4.3: Fellows will participate in a structured leadership curriculum involving DBP faculty and leadership experts from the faculty of The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. Goal 1: To provide fellows with exemplary training in the knowledge base needed to be competent developmental behavioral pediatricians (DBP), and to train them to share that knowledge with others through teaching. Objective 1.1: Fellows will complete a didactic curriculum that includes the 21 core knowledge areas in DBP, as defined by the ACGME. Objective 1.3: By their third year, fellows will provide didactic teaching sessions for medical students, residents and other learners in the community. Goal 2: To train fellows professional participants in interdisciplinary clinical care, providing quality care to patients that is culturally sensitive and family- centered. Objective 2.1: Fellows will participate in interdisciplinary assessments to evaluate children for developmental and behavioral problems. Objective 2.2: Fellows will participate in Problem-based learning sessions, wherein multidisciplinary trainees investigate topics for and provide guidance to culturally and economically diverse families who have need(s) regarding the care of a child with a developmental disability or chronic condition. Activities Undertaken To Meet Project Goals: Fellows participate in three years of training that includes: 1) Interdisciplinary clinical and didactic experiences in an academic center, community settings, and a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD); 2) Mentored training and participation in DBP research and teaching; 3) Advocacy training, with involvement in evidence-based programs in disease/injury prevention at Arkansas Children’s Hospital; 4) Particpation in projects with MCH/Title V in Arkansas,; 5) Unique training experience in leadership skills, via curriculum developed through DBP collaboration with The Clinton School. Healthy People 2010 Objectives: Objective 1.6 Reduce the proportion of families that experience difficulties or delays in obtaining health care. Objective 1.7 Increase the proportion of schools of medicine, whose basic curriculum includes the core competencies in health promotion and disease prevention. Objective 16- 23 Increase the proportion of States that have service systems for children with special health care needs.

Coordination:

Our training program partners with state MCH/Title V organization, The Clinton School or Public Service, UAMS College of Public Health, and the UCEDD to provide the training to our fellows.

Evaluation:

Evaluation includes measure of fellows’ progress within the ACGME General Educational Competencies and MCH Leadership Competencies. We also measure our program’s attainment of our stated objectives, and monitor our effectiveness at impacting MCH Performance Measures.