A pediatric residency experience with surgical co-management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Acquisition of knowledge and skills in the care of surgical patients is defined as an essential element of training by the Pediatric Residency Review Committee. The pediatric-surgical comanagement model of care is increasingly utilized, yet its impact on residency training has not been described. The goal of this study was to describe a 5-year experience with a co-management model in a pediatric residency program. METHODS We describe the planning and implementation of a surgical co-management model in a pediatric residency program and report on case volume and diversity from 2005 to 2010. We assessed the experience of pediatric residents and faculty through rotation evaluations, program leadership meetings, and an anonymous online survey. In the survey, residents rated the value of their exposure on knowledge and skills in selected perioperative domains and their experience with interprofessional teamwork. RESULTS The volume of co-managed patients increased threefold from 2005 to 2010; most (79%) had concurrent medical conditions, and one-third (36%) were children with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Residents reported that co-management helped them gain knowledge and skills in pain management, fluid and electrolytes, respiratory, and nutritional support, as well as in interprofessional teamwork. Other strengths included greater exposure to CYSHCN and subspecialty faculty, and preparedness for critical care rotations. Challenges included clarity of roles and responsibilities between pediatric and surgery residents and interservice communication. CONCLUSIONS A surgical co-management model in pediatric residency training presented important opportunities for development of residents' knowledge and skills in perioperative care and interprofessional teamwork.