Newborn Care Curriculum: Newborn Medications

INTRODUCTION: Based on a 2014 newborn education needs assessment, 39.6% of surveyed pediatric hospitalists expressed interest in receiving more education on newborn medications, and 94% were interested in computer-based learning modules as the method of learning. Thus, this module was designed to serve as a self-study tool or as a tool for small-group teaching. METHODS: Initially designed for pediatric hospitalists, the module can be used for any learner interested in newborn care as it is meant to provide practical applications to the bedside clinician. This module was first implemented as part of the multimodule Newborn Care Curriculum within the pediatric hospitalist division at Children's National Health System in Washington, DC, from May to June 2016. RESULTS: The module was well received, demonstrating an overall increase in learners’ knowledge after completion of the module. Feedback from learners indicated that this learning tool met their overall needs. Eighty-three percent of learners agreed or strongly agreed that the material presented in the module would change their clinical practice, and 92% agreed or strongly agreed that the module increased their comfort with teaching. DISCUSSION: As pediatric hospitalist programs expand in their breadth of clinical roles, they also expand pediatric hospitalists’ roles in newborn medicine. The results of the initial implementation of this module suggest that it is a useful tool to assist pediatric hospitalists with their evolving roles in newborn medicine and ultimately improve overall patient care delivery.