Evaluation of a successful biosocial rotation.

Efficacy of an eight-week rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics for second-year pediatric residents was evaluated. Pretesting and posttesting disclosed that our residents felt more competent with biosocial problems, had more favorable attitudes toward patients with biosocial problems, and had increased factual knowledge in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. When reevaluated 12 to 24 months after rotation as third-year residents (PL-3), they performed better on a factual knowledge test than a PL-3 control group that had not had the rotation. They also felt more competent than the controls in the diagnosis and treatment of children with learning disabilities, hyperactivity, physical handicaps, depression, and gynecologic problems.