Impact of social pediatrics rotation on residents’ understanding of social determinants of health

Social Pediatrics is the newest mandatory rotation in the General Pediatrics residency program at the University of Alberta. Evaluation of the residents include a written reflective assignment, asking them to identify assets and disparities that have influenced the health of a child encountered on the rotation. While there are many published papers on reflective writing , few papers are found in the area of how social determinants of health (SDoH) impact an individual’s overall health. This study examines the question: how has exploring SDoH during the Social Pediatrics rotation led to changes in residents’ awareness of their own practice of pediatrics? Grounded theory was used to analyse 35 reflections from residents who had submitted them as a mandatory assignment at the end of their rotation. In addition, 10 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to further understand residents’ perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysis of the reflections and interviews was guided by grounded theory using open, axial, and selective coding. Analyses of written reflections revealed the following categories: 1) judgment/bias, 2) systemic challenges, 3) advocacy, and 4) a sense that everyone is doing their best. Interview data reinforced overlapping categories of bias, systemic challenges and advocacy in addition to two new categories: 1) increased exposure and knowledge of specific disadvantaged populations, and 2) understanding impact of SDoH on overall health. Categories that were generated highlight the importance of residents’ education regarding the role of SDoH on overall health and management plans. They became aware of structural determinants of health working with health-care professionals who were advocates for the communities they worked with. Analysis of residents’ written reflection assignments and follow-up interviews revealed the value of reflective practice in physician development and reinforced the benefit of fostering experiences not typically encountered in traditional clinical learning environments.