Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing recognition of the importance of trauma-informed care (TIC), pediatric trainees often lack structured opportunities to develop and practice trauma-responsive communication skills. We developed and implemented a standardized training program to improve pediatric residents' TIC knowledge, confidence, and communication skills. METHODS: In collaboration with content experts, we developed the Pediatric Approach to Trauma, Treatment, and Resilience (PATTeR) for Trainees curriculum, implemented during the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics rotation. The training included a 2-hour didactic session co-led by a pediatric faculty member and a clinical psychologist, along with 2 standardized patient (SP) encounters conducted before and after the didactic session. SP scenarios reflected common pediatric developmental and behavioral encounters in the context of trauma. Residents completed retrospective pre- and posttraining self-assessments of TIC knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). During SP encounters, residents were evaluated by faculty, SPs, and themselves using a validated TIC communication skills assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 34 pediatric residents participated, 21 completed matched pre- and posttraining KAP surveys, and 23 completed matched pre- and posttraining SP encounters. Residents demonstrated statistically significant improvements in self-assessed TIC knowledge and confidence across multiple domains (median increase of 1-2 points, p < .05). TIC communication skills during SP encounters also improved significantly across faculty, SP, and resident raters (p < .05). DISCUSSION: The PATTeR for Trainees curriculum led to measurable gains in knowledge and skills and offers a scalable model for integrating TIC into pediatric residency education. Future directions include multicenter implementation and real-world performance assessment.