Strategy
Trusted healthcare providers continue to play a critical role in helping parents vaccinate their children. To influence and support pediatric resident education, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) has engaged with Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Resident Education in Advocacy and Child Health (REACH) pathway program. WA DOH hosts second-year pediatric residents for a three-week rotation with the Office of Immunization to help them learn about public health immunization programs, policy, and programmatic issues in immunization programs, and allow residents to contribute their talents on immunization projects. The collaboration is a training opportunity to focus on critical immunization issues.
Challenge
The mission of the pathway is to prepare residents for future careers as advocates for child health and understand the social, economic, environmental, and political influences on child health and health disparities. This approach is improving the relationship with both hospitals in real time while also building the next generation of public health leaders and influencing future pediatricians.
Solution
Two DOH staff meet with pediatric residents on rotation from October to June each year. Meet and greet meetings with key staff and local health officers are scheduled, and a series of projects are developed for residents to complete. The projects have included:
- Giving clinical webinars on topics like measles or pertussis
- Conducting key informant interviews with providers to identify lessons learned for nirsevimab implementation
- Developing and curating provider education materials or resources to support vaccine conversations with parents/patients, etc.
Residents end their rotation with a presentation to office staff and any hand-off of projects needed for the next resident.
Outcome
Collaboration between WA DOH, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and UW REACH residency programs has blossomed over the past several years. Residents made significant contributions and shared important perspectives on assigned projects. Staff routinely debrief with individual residents during each rotation, and with faculty annually to assess the experience and make improvements. WA DOH’s commitment to the relationship on both sides contributes to the success of the collaboration.
Supplemental Materials