112. IMPLEMENTING AND ASSESSING THE BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ENTRUSTABLE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY: INSIGHTS FOR A PATH FORWARD

Introduction Pediatric mental health problems are growing exponentially. Pediatricians, while in a unique position to address these issues as they arise, have reported feeling they lack adequate training in assessing and managing behavioral/mental health (B/MH) problems. Underscoring the importance of this area, the American Board of Pediatrics has defined B/MH as one of only 17 foundational entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for general pediatric practice. Aim Explore the facilitators and barriers associated with implementing and assessing the B/MH EPA among pediatric residency programs in order to identify best practices and potential solutions to common barriers. Methods In this qualitative study, 18 key faculty members from 4 residency programs with 3 years’ experience implementing and assessing their residents on the B/MH EPA were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, and interviews were coded utilizing a thematic analysis. Results Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) who is responsible for B/MH training (local champion, program director, resident, national organization)?; (2) local context can serve as a barrier or facilitator; (3) B/MH may require longitudinal, integrated, and multi-disciplinary training; (4) B/MH specialists: indispensable, yet a hurdle to training?; and (5) resident and faculty confidence and skill impact B/MH training. Conclusion The need for robust training to prepare pediatric residency graduates to meet the needs of patients with B/MH problems has never been greater. This study provides important insights about curricular gaps in B/MH. These should inform future directions focused on addressing this need.