Clinical Integration in Pediatric Curricula: Enhancing Learning through Pediatric Experiential Labs

This is a 1.5 hour educational session that presents a unique model of integrated experiential labs implemented at NSU. The model, which interweaves clinical exposure in diverse pediatric settings throughout a two-semester pediatric course series, was designed to enable students to practice applying the components of the patient/client management model with children, and to facilitate application of pediatric content. Several student outcomes for the model were measured. Real-life interactions with children and members of the team improved students’ confidence for working with the pediatric population, improved inter-professional communication skills, and enabled clinical application of content and concepts of family-centered care learned in the classroom.