Purpose: To determine if an online PAG learning module improves
resident knowledge and clinical performance.
Background: CREOG recommends education in PAG, yet resident
training is often inadequate secondary to insufficient specialists and clinical
exposure.
Methods: We conducted a multi-institutional single-blinded
randomized controlled trial across four university programs; three had PAG
rotations and two had PAG fellowship-trained faculty. Our intervention
was a previously validated 20-minute electronic module. We applied block
randomization across institutions in a 1:1 ratio. All residents
subsequently completed a PAG-related knowledge assessment (maximum score=5)
that queried understanding of pre-pubertal bleeding and an objective structured
clinical examination (OSCE, maximum score=16) that assessed history collection
and performance of a genital exam, vaginal culture, and vaginoscopy for a
pediatric patient. OSCEs were videotaped and reviewed by two blinded
faculty; inter-rater reliability score was 96.5%. We calculated
frequencies and compared composite knowledge assessment and OSCE scores using
median tests.
Results: Amongst 115 invited residents, 97 (83.4%)
participated; 45 were randomized to the module with equal representation across
training levels. Majorities were female (90.7%) and reported no
prior PAG didactic (77%) or clinical experiences (77%-87.6%); randomization
groups were similar. The intervention group scored significantly higher
on both the knowledge assessment (4 versus 2, p < 0.001) and the OSCE (13
versus 7, p < 0.001). Notably, the intervention group was more likely
to appropriately avoid using a speculum in a pediatric patient (95.6% vs.
57.7%, p < 0.001).
Discussions: Our self-study PAG module resulted in improved
knowledge and clinical approaches and may be of benefit to other training
programs.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Student, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Assessment, Problem-Based Learning, Standardized Patient, Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology,
Patricia Huguelet,
MD; University of Colorado School of Medicine;
Margaret Abraham,
MD, MsC; Tania Dumont, MD; Nicole Karjane, MD; Carol
Wheeler, MD; Maryam Guiahi, MD, MsC
