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Proficiency Perception and Relevance of Gynecological Procedures Among Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduates; Evaluating the Residency Surgical Curriculum

Purpose: To determine graduates’ perception of their proficiency in gynecologic operations and the relevance of these procedures to their current practice

Background: Program directors must certify that graduates are competent to practice without supervision after residency. Achieving proficiency in gynecologic surgery after 4 years is challenging. Evaluating the current surgical curriculum is critical

Methods: A survey of 40 graduates from a single academic instituition was conducted. 36 gynecologic procedures were listed. Each procedure corresponded to two four-point scales (strongly agree to strongly disagree). One scale was headed with preparation to independently perform the operation, and the other questioned the relevance of the procedure in their current practice. A third scale reviewed the need for additional training, and the case/volume per year. A subgroup analysis was done to evaluate the preferred route of hysterectomy and the rationale if vaginal hysterectomy was avoided

Results: The response rate was 67.5%. All respondents felt prepared to perform 25% (9/36) of procedures. More than 50% did not feel competent performing laparoscopic single site hysterectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy, sling, utero-sacral ligament suspension, vesico-vaginal fistula repair, colpocleisis, and office hysteroscopy. Vaginal hysterectomy was relevant for 78% of graduates, however, 89% performed fewer than 10 cases per year, and 55% would benefit from additional training. More than 50% of graduates would choose a non-vaginal route of hysterectomy, and interestingly, 93% of those based their decision on lack of comfort with the procedure

Discussions: While several gynecologic surgeries are relevant to recent graduates’ practices, some may not feel competent performing these procedures after residency. Vaginal hysterectomy is not commonly performed among graduates, largely due to inexperience with the procedure

Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME,