Purpose: To assess how and whether OB/GYN residency prepares trainees to deliver difficult news to patients and families
Background: Having difficult conversations when caring for women across their lifespans in a clear, empathetic way is an integral part of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Surveys of gynecologic oncology fellows and residents in other specialties reveal a dearth of communication training. There is currently little known specifically about OB/GYN residents and their ability to have difficult conversations with patients.
Methods: A brief anonymous 17-question survey was emailed to OB/GYN residents at 13 academic institutions across the United States. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and t-test was used to compare the main outcome of reported preparedness to deliver bad news to resident experience and curriculum.
Results: 127 of 416 residents completed the survey (31%). Approximately three-quarters of the respondents reported receiving no or not enough teaching (76%) or feedback about delivering bad news (82%). Only 21% of respondents reported receiving good or very good quality teaching on this topic. There was a statistically significant association between trainees’ feeling of preparedness to deliver difficult news and the number of times they had independently had these difficult conversations, the amount of reported teaching they had been given in this area, and the amount of direct feedback received.
Discussions: This survey suggests a lack of adequate training for OB/GYN residents in having difficult patient conversations. The results demonstrate that it is imperative to develop a curriculum to foster improved communication skills.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Quality & Safety, Team-Based Learning, General Ob-Gyn,
Andrea Henricks, MD, UNC Health, OBGYN; Lindsey Buckingham, MD; Anna Henricks, BA; Leslie Clark, MD
