Optimizing Resident Learning Resources in the NICU: The Development of a Computer-Based and Pocket Size Handbook Jeanette Hoenig, M.D. The University of Chicago Comer Children

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Optimizing Resident Learning Resources in the
NICUThe Development of a Computer-Based and
Pocket Size HandbookJeanette Hoenig, M.D.The
University of Chicago Comer Childrens Hospital
INTRODUCTION
DISCUSSION
RESULTS
Residents manage complex patients in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) starting from intern
year. Due to the fast pace and
highly-specialized nature of the field, there is
a need for an accessible, easy-to-use resource
for resident self-directed learning. The current
resource is provided as an 8 ½ x 11 packet of
NICU topics without page numbers, which limits
its accessibility and ease of use. Studies have
shown that students are now also using computers
as learning tools and that this resource is an
effective mode of teaching.
As ideas and technology advance, information can
be made more accessible and easy-to-use. This is
especially important when teaching residents, as
there is a significant amount of self-directed
learning that occurs. Our survey revealed that
more residents (48) use a computer vs. another
person (34) or a book (4) when learning about a
topic. However, many residents (44) report that
they would be most likely to use a pocketbook
reference in the NICU. A new NICU house staff
resource has been developed to meet a variety of
resident needs. Multiple formats have been
provided to maximize learning opportunities. The
computer has been utilized as a teaching tool. In
the future, this NICU resource can be expanded in
content and in format - for example, a PDA
version can be developed. The ultimate goal is
for an improved knowledge base and comfort level
of residents in the NICU.
Resident Survey 82 Response rate (50/61) 74
reported the current resource is not always
accessible 36 reported the current resource is
hard to use 78 reported they would read 1-2
pages of a topic review
OBJECTIVE
A New NICU House Staff Resource Pocket NICU A
Handbook for House Staff

• To facilitate resident self-directed learning in
  the NICU
• Evaluate the current NICU resource for house
  staff and identify areas for improvement
• Develop a new NICU house staff resource provided
  in multiple formats, designed to meet a wide
  range of resident needs

• Provided in multiple formats to improve
  accessibility
• Pocketbook version
• Online version will be available on Chiefs
  website
• 8 ½ x 11 packet
• Designed to improve ease-of-use
• a) 47 Topic reviews each review is 1-2 pages
  in length
• b) Page numbers provided in the pocketbook and
  packet
• c) Online version with links to each topic

REFERENCES

1. Carroll AE, Schwartz MW. A comparison of a
   lecture and computer program to teach
   fundamentals of the draw-a-person test. Arch
   Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002156137-140.
2. DAlessandro DM, Kreitner CD, Peterson MW. An
   evaluation of information-seeking behaviors of
   general pediatricians. Pediatrics
   200411364-69.
3. Potts MJ, Messimer SR. Successful teaching of
   pediatric fluid management using computer
   methods. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med.
   1999153195-198.

METHODS

• Resident survey conducted via email to evaluate
  the current NICU resource and identify learning
  needs
• Authorship of a new NICU house staff resource
• a) Extensive literature review
• b) Interviews (unstructured) with topic experts
• c) Attendance at specialized topic review
  courses
• d) Content review by a panel of experts
• 3 Neonatology attendings and 1 Neonatology
  fellow

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to those who made this project
possible William Meadow, Madelyn Kahana, Jaideep
Singh, Leslie Caldarelli, Bree Andrews, Tom
Shimotake, Alyna Chien, Jeremy Hoenig, Ellen
Newton and Toni Payne