Background: The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an ideal primary care model for patients across the lifespan. Family Medicine (FM) practice and training often address adults more than children/adolescents. Few studies describe the efficacy of education programs seeking to enhance PCMH-based care of children/adolescents.
Methods: At the Brown FM Residency in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (RI), from 2015-2020, we aimed to enhance care of children/adolescents through a HRSA-funded program that enhanced PCMH-based care for children/adolescents and related resident education. Our mixed- methods evaluation assessed learner experiences. Vaccination data assessed patient impact.
Results: 119/155 (77%) residents completed surveys over four years and learning and performance improved, especially in PCMH principles and behavorial health (BH) competencies. Vaccination rates improved. Qualitative interviews supported quantitative results.
Conclusions: Enhancing care for children/adolescents within a FM residency clinic requires a multi-pronged approach. This initiative improved children/adolescents' care and increased residents' learning and performance.
Keywords: children/adolescents; curriculum development; graduate medical education; mixed-methods; patient-centered medical home.