PEDIATRIC MORNING REPORT - AN APPRAISAL

We examined and contrasted morning reports at two hospitals, universit y and community, that have a pediatric residency program. Patient diag noses assigned at morning report were compared with final diagnoses to assess disease categories discussed and the value of including outpat ient follow-up in this educational forum. Data were obtained during mo rning reports for 6 months by chief residents at university and privat e community hospitals. Pertinent history, physical examination, and la boratory and radiologic findings were recorded and were assigned a ten tative morning report diagnosis based on morning report discussion. Ca ses were then reviewed at discharge and at 6 months to determine final diagnoses. At the university hospital, 58% of the cases were undiagno sed before presentation at morning report. Of those cases, 23% were as signed a diagnosis at morning report that differed from the final diag nosis. Similarly, at the private community hospital, 28% of cases were undiagnosed before presentation at morning report. Of those cases, 73 % were assigned a diagnosis that differed from the final diagnosis. We conclude that the provision of follow-up at morning report is importa nt for maximizing resident education.