Developmental and Psychosocial (D&P) Training assists trainees to develop a sophisticated understanding of child development, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social areas, which should be gained from the perspective of the child within the family and in the context of the community.
A mandatory period of D&P Training for all paediatricians was introduced to ensure that the changing nature of paediatric practice is reflected in the training programs.
Review of D&P
The College is working to redefine how D&P training will be embedded in the new training programs. This will include defining learning goals, and new options for trainees to achieve these learning goals, which will be embedded into the Basic and Advanced Training programs.
Alternative options for completing D&P training and a timeline for implementation will be communicated during 2025. New D&P requirements will be developed, and any updates will be included in the relevant curricula standards and learning, teaching and assessment programs. Trainees and supervisors will be informed of updates with sufficient notice of any changes to ensure no disadvantage.
Until alternatives are available, it is important that trainees plan to complete the requirement for D&P training through one of the time-based options currently available, to ensure eligibility for admission to Fellowship on completion of the requirements of Advanced Training. Trainees must satisfactorily complete this requirement to be eligible for admission to Fellowship under the Paediatrics & Child Health Division.
Aotearoa New Zealand
|
The D&P training requirement can be met by completing a 3-month full-time equivalent rotation in relevant specialties. These areas reflect a holistic approach to the health problems of children and young people. An understanding of the roles and inter-relationships of many allied health and community-based services, in a way that distinguishes them from experience in organ-based specialties, is required. |
Australia
|
Developmental & psychosocial (D&P) training is currently a time-based requirement consisting of a minimum of six months full-time equivalent (FTE) in one or more of the following areas:
These areas reflect a holistic approach to the health problems of children and young people. An understanding of the roles and inter-relationships of many allied health and community-based services, in a way that distinguishes them from experience in organ-based specialties, is required. |
- Option A: A prospectively-approved psychosocial training position (6 months full-time equivalent). This can be completed as:
- 2 x 3-month terms, or
- 1 x 6-month block, or
- a continuous part-time position, such as 2.5 days a week for 12 months (A conglomerate of experience for shorter time periods adding up to 6 months will not be accepted.)
- Option B: A prospectively approved rural position (6 months full-time equivalent). Complete the 6 months of training comprised of a documented weekly program in the psychosocial training areas with an appropriate level of supervision.
- Option C: Attendance at a prospectively-approved clinic AND completion of an approved learning module. The D&P training requirement can be completed in one of these formats:
- 2 x sessions a week for 18 months, or
- 1 x session a week for 3 years
An approved clinic is determined to be a clinic where other health and/or educational professionals are involved, and supervision is directed by a paediatrician who is experienced in one or multiple areas of D&P Training, such as behaviour, development, rehabilitation and child protection.
The approved learning module may be one of the following:
- Evidence of attendance at a lecture series at a recognised institution, related to the D&P Training areas; or
- 3 x referenced case reports/essays demonstrating comprehensive understanding of 3 different issues in the areas of psychosocial training – for example rehabilitation or community paediatrics (1500 to 2000 words each); or
- Completion of the Griffith Mental Developmental Scales course.
Other prospectively approved modules may be considered.