title: Teaching Residents about Child Neglect and Parental Alcoholism: A Controlled Pilot Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess in pediatric residents the effects of a case-based educational exercise about child neglect and parental alcoholism on their knowledge and attitudes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quasi-experimental controlled trial of a standardized educational intervention and qualitative analysis of residents' reactions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Resident continuity clinic conferences at a large pediatric teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Convenience sample of pediatric residents (n=37). The residents in the control group received no intervention at all, while residents in the intervention group received the educational intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  A structured, 40-minute case discussion ("The Silent Cry") facilitated by trained faculty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Learner ratings of materials and methods. Pre/post change in scores on a knowledge quiz and attitude scale. Codes and themes generated from qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intervention group residents rated the experience highly. The two groups did not differ significantly in mean pre-post change on the knowledge quiz or attitude scale. Focus group discussions revealed feelings of frustration and powerlessness when dealing with child neglect and parental alcoholism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While this standardized educational intervention was well received by residents, more time is needed for discussion and multiple teaching sessions may be required. Discussion of emotional responses should be included as a standard part of the educational experience.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA.
authors.forename: Celeste R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: b Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital , Boston , MA.
authors.forename: Lon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sherritt
authors.affiliation: b Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital , Boston , MA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Knight
keywords: Child Neglect; Medical Education; Pediatrics; Substance Abuse