How long is the initial part of the program and the mentorship?
The book and videotape require between 8-20 hours. The mentorship must be a minimum of 15 hours.
Can more than one medical provider observe at a time? If so, what is the maximum number?
The answer to this depends on the site, the mentor and the number of patients seen daily at that site. Generally, one applicant at a time is best, especially since many of the mentor sites are also residency and/or fellowship teaching sites.
What are the liability issues for the observership? How are they addressed?
Each site has its own liability issues. At Upstate, the applicant must pass the health assessment and is provided with a visiting physician pass. This covers the mentor site in case of accident or injury. The applicant will have an ID card for the hospital and access to the library and other services. For all sites, the applicant must carry his/her own malpractice insurance.
Should I keep a record of the mentorship?
The applicant and mentor are provided with an evaluation form. These must be filled out in order for the mentor to be paid (by the grant) and for the applicant to receive the 15 CME credits for the mentorship.
Is a certificate provided at the completion of the program?
The applicant will receive a CME certificate of completion of the course. This is not a credential for doing child sexual abuse examinations, it is just a CME certificate! This is not a certification to be an expert witness, but may be used to enhance the provider’s child abuse resume.
Do medical providers ever fail the program?
Yes, some people did not achieve a post-test score of at least 80%. They have been asked to review the manual and repeat the exam. Others have not passed the mentorship due to inability to complete the requirements. Any provider who does not demonstrate appropriate knowledge, attitudes or understanding of child issues will fail the program.
Do I need any equipment or supplies?
The mentor site will have a colposcope, a CDROM for learning and a notebook of references. Applicants should bring their copy of
Evaluating Child Abuse
for review of the post-test with the mentor.
What happens if there are no patients on the day that I come to observe?
If patients don't show, the mentor will be asked to review your post-test problem areas and review slides, the CDROM or their own material.
How do you identify and qualify the mentors?
Mentors were identified in NYS based on their geographic area, interest in the teaching program and ability of the site to handle applicants. This included an ability to work out the liability issues and ability to offer the experience of observing several examinations (They must examine at least 50 suspected sexual abuse patients each year). Applicants are assigned to mentors based on applicant and mentor ability to work together (time, geographic factors and personal choices are all considered).
