Validating objectives and training in Canadian paediatrics residency training programmes.

Background: Changing health care systems and learning environments with reduction in resident work hours raises the question: "Are we adequately training our paediatricians?"

Aims: (1) Identify clinical competencies to be acquired during paediatric residency training to enable graduates to practise as consultant paediatricians; (2) Identify gaps in preparedness during training and; (3) Review and validate competencies contained in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) objectives of training (OTR) for paediatrics.

Methods: A questionnaire with 19 classification domains containing 92 clinical competencies was administered to RCPSC certified paediatricians who completed residency training in Canada from June 2004 to June 2008. For each competency, paediatricians were asked to indicate the importance and their degree of preparedness upon entering practice. Gap scores (GSs) between importance and preparedness were calculated.

Results: Response rate was 43% (187/435); 91.3% (84/92) of competencies in the RCPSC OTR were identified as important. Paediatricians felt less than adequately prepared for 25% (23/92) of competencies; 40 competencies had GSs >10%.

Conclusions: The unique approach used in this study is useful in validating OTR as well as the preparation of residents in relation to OTR. The results indicate a potential need for additional training in specific competencies.