P3B084: Developing a Multi-specialty Immigrant and Refugee Health Elective

Background: The number of immigrant and refugee families in the United States is growing, but many medical trainees feel unprepared to manage their diverse needs.

Methods: The 1) problem identification emerged from a recognition of the absence of I&R health curriculum within the training program from trainees and faculty. A 2) targeted needs assessment of I&R curriculum was completed by utilizing experts across 16 academic institutions, local I&R organizations and a review of the literature. 3) Goals and objectives were developed from the needs assessment and based loosely around the I-PACK (Immigrant Partnership and Advocacy Curricular Kit) curriculum which utilizes a variety of 4) educational strategies including didactics, problem-based learning, and simulation. We also developed an introduction to local I&R communities and organizations. The final curriculum included a mix of virtual and in-person lectures, self-directed learning, and organizing a community advocacy project. 5) Implementation was a 2-week elective in April 2022, and 6) evaluation included IPACK pre/post knowledge tests and focus group feedback at the end of the elective.

Results: The first I&R elective was completed in April 2022 with 7 learners (5 categorical pediatric residents, 1 medicine-pediatrics resident and 1 family medicine-psychiatry resident). It included 16 different educational sessions with faculty experts from 5 institutions and 3 community organizations. Learners worked alongside 2 local organizations (one focused on the local Spanish speaking community, one on the local refugee community) and developed and completed 2 advocacy projects. All residents also completed the IPACK curriculum showing knowledge gains in 60% of the modules. All participants completed the elective. A qualitative review survey showed that 100% of participants noted the elective inspired new advocacy or research goals, 100% said knowledge from the elective would change the way they practice medicine/interact with patients during residency and training (Table 1), and 100% of external (n=6) and local faculty (n=5 academic, n=6 community) expressed desire to implement this elective at their programs. All residents participated in a focus group at the end. They expressed that the elective was a meaningful experience that will impact their future careers.

Conclusion: As the population of immigrant and refugee families grows, it is important for medical education to evolve to better understand the needs, barriers, hurdles, and supports available. Utilizing local experts and community organization can enrich existing curriculum. The I&R elective is one opportunity to empower trainees to learn and grow to provide compassionate care for immigrants and refugees. Future studies include a planned second elective in 2024 and implementation at other sites.