Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess first through third year pediatric medical residents' confidence levels surrounding first-line pharmacotherapy for common mental health conditions in the pediatric patient population and identify areas of need in resident education initiatives. METHODS: From April 2024 through June 2024, 68 pediatric medical residents participating in a pediatric residency program at an academic tertiary medical center were invited to complete a self-assessment questionnaire. Residents rated their confidence in developing a treatment plan, prescribing, and counseling on medications for pediatric mental health conditions, general physical health conditions, and pharmacotherapy using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 28 pediatric medical residents (41% response rate), ranging from postgraduate year 1 to year 3, completed the survey. Compared with physical health conditions, pediatric mental health conditions were associated with lower confidence scores in medical residents in the areas of developing a treatment plan (mean 3.31 vs 4.28, p < 0.001), prescribing medication (mean 2.77 vs 4.02, p<0.001), and counseling on medication side effects (mean 2.94 vs 4.01, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights significant gaps in medical residents' confidence in managing pediatric mental health pharmacotherapy compared with physical health conditions within a single institution's residency program.