Distance learning on breastfeeding for residents in pediatrics

Breastfeeding is essential for maternal and neonatal health, yet its promotion and support are often insufficiently addressed in medical and pediatric residency curricula. This study evaluated the acceptance and perceived effectiveness of a distance learning course on breastfeeding (DLC-Bf) developed by the Italian Societies of Pediatrics and Neonatology. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between August and November 2024. All pediatric residents enrolled in Italian pediatric schools (n = 1281) were invited to participate in an 11.5-h asynchronous distance learning course. The course included pre-recorded lectures, reading materials, and clinical case discussions. A 33-question anonymous online questionnaire was administered to evaluate participants’ perceptions of the course’s quality, content, format, and usefulness. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Of the 1281 residents invited, 74.2% accessed the course and 40.4% completed at least 90% of it. Among those who completed the DLC-Bf, perceived clarity, clinical relevance, and usefulness were high, particularly for modules on the management of common breastfeeding issues; however, only 23% completed the full course and 13.2% of all invitees responded to the survey, limiting inference due to potential selection and nonresponse bias. Almost two out of three residents noted discrepancies between the course contents and current practices in training hospitals, mainly referred to the management of the most common breastfeeding problems. The DLC-Bf was well received, highlighting the need for structured breastfeeding education during pediatric training. It may require improvements in order to increase the participation rate of residents, although this might depend mainly on the specific priority given to breastfeeding. Future research should assess the course’s impact on residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills in breastfeeding support.