117. BE EXPERT: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPANSION IN PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY TRAINING: SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATIVE CURRICULUM WITH PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRISTS

Background Up to one-third of children will have a mental health condition. However, only 20% of these children receive mental health care and half of mental health referrals from primary care providers result in children being connected to care. Highlighting the need to improve pediatric resident training in the management of mental health issues, the AAP published a policy statement calling for enhanced mental health curriculums in pediatric residencies. Methods We developed a novel 6-month longitudinal mental health curriculum based on several existing models used to train practicing pediatricians. All pediatric residents were invited to participate; this project was IRB-exempt. The curriculum included a child psychiatrist-led, half-day orientation focused on assessment, diagnosis and management of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and acute behavioral events through a case-based, interactive format, as well as monthly group-based discussions of resident patients. Residents were paired with a psychiatrist consultant for as needed, real-time consultation throughout the projects duration. Residents were surveyed pre- and post-orientation for perceived comfort in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric mental health conditions. Results Nineteen percent of (14/74) residents participated. Post-orientation, residents reported clinically meaningful increased comfort in all survey domains. Statistically significant (p Conclusions Developing and implementing a longitudinal mental health curriculum in conjunction with child psychiatrists is both feasible and results in overall improvement in residents comfort level with common mental health diagnoses.