P2B147: Pediatrics in Disasters: Evolution of a Hybrid Global Health Training Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Disasters disproportionately affect children, particularly in low- to middle-income countries. The Pediatrics in Disasters (PEDS) Course is a 10-module program focusing on the unique needs of children in disasters. In 2021, authors piloted a hybrid in-person and virtual structure for multinational faculty and participants.

Methods: Module teams conducted brief pre-course revisions to address prior virtual course feedback. The hybrid course included lectures and small group discussions co-led by multinational faculty available synchronously (livestreaming of in-person sessions) and asynchronously (recorded sessions available online). Authors analyzed participant knowledge assessments and post-course satisfaction from 2021 and prior years’ stakeholder and student feedback.

Results: Course directors recruited 28 US-based and 10 international faculty (all from low-to middle-income countries). Among 31 participants, 21 were in-person, while 10 were virtual or hybrid. No international participants completed the course in full, citing lack of protected time or internet difficulties. 100% of in-person participants successfully passed knowledge assessments (86% average composite score). Participants and facilitators reported overall satisfaction with the course, agreeing that it met stated aims and objectives. Positive themes included: international faculty presence; strong course organization; and pertinent course content. Negative themes included: limited group discussion time to share international experiences; limited applicability of course content for public health audiences or those in low-resource settings; and technical difficulties on virtual platforms.

Conclusion: While future courses must address challenges, a hybrid PEDS Course structure successfully achieved course goals and incorporated international faculty. Lessons learned will guide future course revisions and fellow global health educators.