WIP 60 - Reaching Forward: Reach Out and Read Residency Champions Initiative

Publication Number: WIP 60.7617

Adam Halpern, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Metuchen, NJ, United States; Elizabeth Erickson, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Amy E.. Shriver, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clive, IA, United States; Teandra Ramos, Reach Out and Read, Sims, NC, United States; Ancelma Vazquez Montano, Reach Out and Read, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Background: Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national nonprofit organization that strengthens families and nurtures relationships through shared reading. It is the only pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. ROR can be a universal intervention that buffers the impact of childhood toxic stress by increasing positive childhood experiences. Although many clinicians are introduced to ROR during residency, the training and leadership infrastructure for residency programs are inconsistent and often dependent on attending preceptors.

Objective: 1) To establish an evidence-based teaching curriculum for Reach Out and Read for pediatric and family medicine residency training programs that is flexible to accommodate the needs of diverse programs and can be delivered by Resident Champions.

2) To establish, nurture, and expand a sustained network of Reach Out and Read residents and early career champions to support national efforts in early relational health and create enduring leadership opportunities.

Design/Methods: Our team will develop a standardized national Reach Out and Read educational curriculum for pediatric and family medicine residents. We will employ quality improvement methodologies to refine the curriculum based on data collected via surveys and testimonials obtained from pre- and post-educational training assessments. This iterative process will facilitate expansion to additional residency programs and enable a broader reach and impact on early literacy promotion.

The pilot initiative will consist of Resident Champions from up to seven residency programs. Those involved in their first or second year are automatically eligible to continue in the program through their third year. Residents will maintain ongoing structured mentorship with Reach Out and Read through a tiered leadership model, thus building a sustainable leadership pipeline while fostering professional growth and long-term program impact.