The National Dissemination of a Disaster Medicine Module for Pediatric Residents Through Nationally Funded Disaster Networks

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000003403. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate a dissemination strategy for an online pediatric disaster learning module to reach pediatric residents in programs participating in nationally funded disaster networks. A secondary aim measured the educational impacts among learners.

Methods: The module included case-based scenarios, videos, interactive questions and answers with experts, and resource links. The dissemination strategy involved identifying a local champion at each of the disaster network institutions to recruit a targeted group of pediatric residents during a clinical rotation. Dissemination was evaluated using surveys of site champions and learners. The educational impact of the module was measured using retrospective pre/postsurveys.

Results: Twenty-eight residency programs within the funded disaster networks were approached, and 6 additional residency programs requested to participate after learning about this project. Twenty-five programs participated with a total of 252 residents initially engaging with the module over the 2 designated dissemination weeks. Of residents, 75% started the module and completed it. Most site champions expressed interest in continuing to engage in dissemination of future modules in the curricula. A statistically significant improvement in self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors was noted for all 6 learning objectives. The mean Net Promoter Score reported by the learners was 11/100.

Conclusions: Overall, the strategy of disseminating disaster curricula through the funded disaster networks with local site champions was effective, though barriers were identified for future efforts to reach all programs interested. Completion of the module was associated with self-reported achievement of all learning objectives.

Keywords: children and disasters; disaster medicine education; education dissemination; pediatric disaster medicine; pediatric residency.