Innovations in Disaster Preparedness Training: An Emergency Preparedness Curriculum within a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship

Abstract

Introduction:

Improved understanding of pediatric emergency preparedness can ensure the safety of children during disaster events, a population that is often overlooked.^{1 2} One method to minimize disparities is to increase the pediatric preparedness workforce by providing education to trainees about the foundations of this field.

Method:

A pediatric emergency preparedness curriculum was created as part of an elective prehospital track within a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship program at a quaternary pediatric hospital.

Results:

The curriculum focuses on three domains: education, research, and administration. The trainee is required to participate in local and regional educational opportunities. Locally, trainees create and facilitate at least one tabletop exercise about a preparedness topic of their choice. They also attend regional and state-wide preparedness drills to foster better understanding of integrated system processes. Additional educational opportunities involve the creation of asynchronous learning modules for their division and development of just-in-time resources for disaster events. For research, they have the opportunity to pursue an original project in the field and participate in other research activities with the track director. The administration domain prepares the trainee to be a leader in the field. Trainees are active participants within the emergency department’s preparedness committee and during hospital-wide preparedness meetings. These meetings develop protocols and policies as well as educational initiatives. Fellows are also encouraged to join national collaborative preparedness efforts through the American Academy of Pediatrics and the EMSC innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC).

Conclusion:

This curriculum provides an introduction to and continued education about disaster preparedness to pediatric emergency fellows early in their career. Completion of the sub-track fosters future leaders in the disaster medicine field. In the future, this curriculum can be adopted by other medical training programs to expand understanding of pediatric preparedness concepts.