Preparing residents for Public Law 99-457. A survey of pediatric training programs.

Recent implementation of Public Law 99-457 has high-lighted the integral role of pediatricians in early intervention for infants and young children (birth to age 3 years) with disabilities and their families. Faculty representatives of all US pediatric residency programs were surveyed to determine the current status of resident education about issues in this content area. Of 219 surveys, 159 (73%) were returned and analyzed. Resident rotations in child development were offered in 89% of the programs. Of these, 73% were mandatory rotations. Generally, comprehensive resident exposure to a majority of important topics regarding Public Law 99-457 was reported. However, minimal teaching by parents and community agencies was used. Content areas perceived to be strengths in most programs included normal and atypical infant development and developmental assessment. Weaker areas included cultural aspects of family function, case management, and advocacy. Barriers to optimal teaching included time constraints of residents and faculty, inadequate resources and facilities, and insufficient resident interest. Respondents expressed strong interest in improving resident education in this area.