title: Validating objectives and training in Canadian paediatrics residency training programmes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Changing health care systems and learning environments with reduction in resident work hours raises the question: "Are we adequately training our paediatricians?"
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  (1) Identify clinical competencies to be acquired during paediatric residency training to enable graduates to practise as consultant paediatricians; (2) Identify gaps in preparedness during training and; (3) Review and validate competencies contained in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) objectives of training (OTR) for paediatrics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire with 19 classification domains containing 92 clinical competencies was administered to RCPSC certified paediatricians who completed residency training in Canada from June 2004 to June 2008. For each competency, paediatricians were asked to indicate the importance and their degree of preparedness upon entering practice. Gap scores (GSs) between importance and preparedness were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rate was 43% (187/435); 91.3% (84/92) of competencies in the RCPSC OTR were identified as important. Paediatricians felt less than adequately prepared for 25% (23/92) of competencies; 40 competencies had GSs >10%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unique approach used in this study is useful in validating OTR as well as the preparation of residents in relation to OTR. The results indicate a potential need for additional training in specific competencies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, C4-615, Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada. hamin@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Harish J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singhal
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*