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Empowering Residents- Efficacy of "The Deck Test" in Preparing for the Management of L&D
Background: For the last decade, Naval Medical Center San Diego Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program has utilized a three part examination, "The Deck Test," before mid-level residents are permitted to manage the labor and delivery ward without direct supervision. The examination consists of 1) a scavenger hunt, 2) an oral examination and 3) a simulation of emergency obstetric situations.
Objective: Our study examines the attitudes surrounding The Deck Test and determines if passing The Deck Test affects how senior level residents and faculty regard the mid-level trainees.
Methods: We surveyed senior residents and faculty using questions formulated into a standard Visual Analog Scale to determine their confidence in a mid-level resident's ability to manage labor and delivery without direct supervision before and after passing The Deck Test. Additionally, a before and after survey was administered to the residents taking the examination.
Results: Although residents felt that The Deck Test was a daunting hurdle in their residency education, they also endorsed that successfully passing this examination prepared them to manage labor and delivery without direct supervision. Likewise, the faculty and senior residents endorsed that once this examination is passed, the mid-level resident possessed the necessary knowledge and skills to serve as the primary supervisor on labor and delivery.
Conclusions: Success in documenting resident competencies requires objective data within the Next Accreditation System. The Deck Test represents a best practice accurately eliciting medical knowledge and patient care as well as emphasizing the CLER focus areas of supervision and patient safety.
Topics:
CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2015, Resident, Residency Director, Patient Care, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME, Assessment, Quality & Safety, General Ob-Gyn,
