Breaking a Cycle of Dependence to Improve Neurology Education: A Qualitative Study Exploring Pediatric Residents’ Perspectives

Objective. To understand pediatric residents’ experiences and attitudes toward learning neurology; and to identify facilitators and barriers to learning neurology during residency. Study Design. Qualitative study using focus groups of pediatric residents at Stanford during November 2017. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Investigators independently coded the transcripts and reconciled codes to develop themes using constant comparison associated with grounded theory. Results. Eighteen pediatric residents participated in 3 focus groups. Four themes emerged: (1) residents feel unprepared and uncomfortable; (2) intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to residents’ dependence on neurologists; (3) residents desire more teaching; and (4) residents are motivated to overcome their dependence on neurologists and optimize their learning. Conclusion. Pediatric residents are motivated to acquire more skills to assess and manage patients with neurological conditions. They recognize key factors that contribute to a cycle of dependence that impedes their learning and offer strategies to overcome these barriers.