Serving the underserved: Curriculum use survey

Objective. To assess the utilization of Training Residents to Serve the Underserved: A Resident Education Curriculum published by the Ambulatory Pediatric Association and mailed to all pediatric residency program directors in the APA dataset in 1993. Participants. 166 of 216 (77%) pediatric residency program directors in the United States. Study design. The American Academy of Pediatrics mailed a self-administered written survey. Non-responders received a second mailing and two phone calls. Results. 75 of 166 (45%) of respondents had received the curriculum and 54/166 (33%) retained a copy. 19 (11%) used at least part of the curriculum in their program. The most frequently cited curriculum strength was that the curriculum was comprehensive and well-organized. The lack of implementation materials and teaching aides was the most common weakness. Conclusions. Mass mailings by a nationally recognized pediatric organization did not greatly increase use and knowledge of the curriculum. Broader implementation strategies are needed in order to increase utilization of the curriculum.