Purpose: To evaluate the association of number of total vaginal hysterectomies
(TVHs) performed during residency on comfort level and practice habits after
residency.
Background: TVH is the preferred route of hysterectomy whenever
feasible. Evidence is limited about the number of cases needed in residency to
produce physicians comfortable with TVH.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 2007-2017
graduates of the MAHEC OBGYN Residency Program. Using an online survey,
self-reported feedback was collected on number of TVHs performed in residency,
ratings (5-point scales) of adequacy of training and comfort level with the
procedure, and the number of TVHs performed in current practice. Spearman
correlation (coefficient rho) was used to examine the correlation between the
number of TVHs performed in residency and outcomes.
Results: Of the 35 graduates meeting inclusion criteria, 31
(88.6%) completed the survey. The range of TVHs performed by graduation varied
from 10-59. TVHs performed in residency was significantly correlated with:
perceived overall quality of training in TVH (rho=0.565; p=0.001), level of
comfort performing TVH within 12 months of graduation (rho=0.384; p=0.43) ,
level of comfort currently (rho=0.414; p=0.028), and number of TVHs performed
over the last year (rho = 0.448; p=0.042). Graphic representation
of TVHs performed in residency against comfort ratings demonstrated
substantial, favorable increases in ratings from 10-19 to 20-29 and to 30-39
and leveling off from 30-39 and above.
Discussions: The number of TVHs performed in residency is associated with
alumni perception of training quality, comfort level and practice habits. Our
alumni suggest 30-39 TVHs may be the “sweet spot.”
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Assessment,
Alisa Eanes,
MD, MAHEC;
Elizabeth Buys,
MD; Bruny
Lugo, PhD;
Shelley Galvin,
MA; Jennifer
Warren, MD
