Neural Plasticity in Spinal and Corticospinal Pathways Induced by Balance Training in Neurologically Intact Adults: A Systematic Review.

Balance training, defined here as training of postural equilibrium, improves postural control and reduces the rate of falls especially in older adults. This systematic review aimed to determine the neuroplasticity induced by such training in younger (18-30 years old) and older adults (≥65 years old). We focused on spinal and corticospinal pathways, as studied with electrophysiology, in people without neurological or other systemic disorders.

Addressing Barriers to Accessing Head Start Programs via the Medical Home: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: High quality early childhood education and childcare programs, such as Early Head Start and Head Start (EHS/HS), play a critical role in early childhood development, learning, and quality of life. This study was designed to determine barriers to applying and enrolling in EHS/HS in an urban community and the potential role of the medical home in overcoming these barriers.

Methods: Four 90-minute focus groups were conducted with 41 various stakeholders, including EHS/HS coordinators, personnel from early childhood policy organizations, medical personnel, and families who have previously applied to EHS/HS.

Strengthening Parent - Physician Communication: A Mixed Methods Study on Attuned Communication Training for Pediatric Residents.

: High-quality communication improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes, yet formal communication training in residency is often minimal. Many studies on empathic communication show mixed results and are often hindered and skewed by brief study lengths, insufficiently and ambiguously defined concepts, and limited methods for objective measurements. : The FAN Curriculum is a unique communication curriculum, based on the conceptual frameworks of patient-centered communication, reflective practice, mindfulness, and attunement using the Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) model.

Influence of Clinical Competency Committee Review Process on Summative Resident Assessment Decisions.

Background: Clinical Competency Committees (CCCs) are charged with making summative assessment decisions about residents.

Objective: We explored how review processes CCC members utilize influence their decisions regarding residents' milestone levels and supervisory roles.

Methods: We conducted a multisite longitudinal prospective observational cohort study at 14 pediatrics residency programs during academic year 2015-2016.

Thresholds and interpretations: How clinical competency committees identify pediatric residents with performance concerns.

Background: Clinical competency committee (CCC) identification of residents with performance concerns is critical for early intervention.

Methods: Program directors and 94 CCC members at 14 pediatric residency programs responded to a written survey prompt asking them to describe how they identify residents with performance concerns. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Acculturation Needs of Pediatric International Medical Graduates: A Qualitative Study.

Unlabelled: Phenomenon: International medical graduates (IMGs) play a key role in host countries' health systems but face unique challenges, which makes effective, tailored support for IMGs essential. Prior literature describing the acculturation needs of IMGs focused primarily on communication content and style. We conducted a qualitative study to explore acculturation that might be specific to IMG residents who care for children.

Childhood Poverty and Its Effect on Health and Well-being: Enhancing Training for Learners Across the Medical Education Continuum.

Objective: Childhood poverty is unacceptably common in the US and threatens the health, development, and lifelong well-being of millions of children. Health care providers should be prepared through medical curricula to directly address the health harms of poverty. In this article, authors from The Child Poverty Education Subcommittee (CPES) of the Academic Pediatric Association Task Force on Child Poverty describe the development of the first such child poverty curriculum for teachers and learners across the medical education continuum.