Purpose: To
understand current training in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.
Background: Modern obstetrics and gynecology practice requires the frequent use of
ultrasound (US) and therefore US training has become an important part of
resident education. We sought to understand how residents are currently being
trained in obstetric and gynecologic US by surveying residency program
directors.
Methods: We developed a 36 item self-administered questionnaire targeted for
residency program directors (PD). PD from all 261 accredited programs were
invited to participate. We inquired about US curriculums, time spent in US
training, types of US taught, learning environments and instructors, feedback
regarding resident competence and resident input of the learning experience.
IRB approval was obtained prior to study onset.
Results: We received 108 completed responses.PD from all geographical US areas and
Canada responded. PD self-described their programs as 52% university based, 28%
community based, 18% combination of university/community based and 2% military.
Over 65% reported US education was built into the curriculum as a distinct
rotation. Of the US rotations >50% were described as a one month separate
block. 40% stated 1 – 4 hours week devoted to US education. 99% said supervised
instruction was the norm with the majority of teachers being MFM
physicians/sonographers. A mixture of observational and hands-on ultrasound
experience is the norm for most programs. Over 76% PD gave residents US reading
assignments and have formal lectures, mostly by MFM and REI faculty. Less than
20% of programs supported any experience with ultrasound simulator training.
90% of PD give formal feedback to the residents about their skills. Only 69%
state that their residents can evaluate the learning experience.
Discussions: We
recount details of the current status of US education in OB/Gyn residency
programs as reported by PD across the country. Our questions were designed to
understand the amount of time actually committed to ultrasound education. With
the inception of widespread US need in the daily life of obstetrics and
gynecology the challenge of ensuring adequate resident training exists. More structure
and protected learning time may assist in resident training. Simulator training for US education seems
underutilized.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2018, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Medical Knowledge, GME, Assessment, Simulation, Lecture, General Ob-Gyn,
Nora Doyle, MD, MPH, MSc
