Purpose: To determine whether cadaver-based simulation improves OB/GYN residents’ perceived preparedness and confidence in performing laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy.
Background: OB/GYN residents have reported a lack of preparedness and confidence in performing laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH). Currently, volume reductions due to COVID-19 have caused many residencies to supplement surgical education with simulation. Simulation using fresh frozen cadavers has been shown to benefit basic laparoscopic surgical skills and is nearest to real surgery. To our knowledge, the value of cadaver-based simulation has not yet been assessed in teaching LH and VH.
Methods: A cohort of PGY-3 and PGY-4 OB/GYN residents completed a cadaver-based simulation course on LH and VH. Participants completed three surveys (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and following their first LH or VH after the intervention) to assess their perceived confidence and preparedness in performing these surgeries. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare survey results pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Twenty-four residents completed the course. This cohort was predominantly composed of PGY-3 (67%) and female residents (92%). When compared to perceived preparedness before the course, participants felt more prepared in performing VH (P< 0.01) and LH (p< 0.01) immediately after the course. Following the completion of their first VH or LH after the course, 93% reported improved confidence and 87% improved preparedness.
Discussions: In this study, cadaver-based simulation improved self-perceived resident preparedness and confidence in performing LH and VH. This is a valuable resource as an adjunct to surgical education and in the setting of decreased surgical volumes.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, GME, Simulation, Minimally Invasive Surgery, General Ob-Gyn,
Stephanie Chang, MD, UT Southwestern; Teale Muir, MD; Jessica Shields, MD; Marlene Corton, MD; Maria Florian-Rodriguez, MD
