Purpose: To develop a comprehensive OB/GYN-specific communication simulation to facilitate resident development of communication skills
Background: OB/GYN residency training largely lacks formal instruction in communication, and a majority of graduating OB/GYN residents have poor baseline knowledge of communication skills and feel underprepared for difficult conversations.
Methods: In August 2020, we developed and implemented an OB/GYN-specific communication simulation to facilitate resident development of relevant communication skills, including delivering bad news, communicating with an angry patient, transitioning care through an effective verbal hand-off, and providing structured feedback to learners. In each of the four 30-minute modules, residents assumed the role of the physician, and the attending/fellow instructor assumed the role of the standardized subject(i.e., patient/learner/oncoming provider). After completion of the scenario, the instructor led a case debriefing and discussion, and residents completed a feedback questionnaire.
Results: Twenty-two residents participated in this simulation, including six post-graduate year 1(PGY-1) residents, five PGY-2 residents, six PGY-3 residents, and five PGY-4 residents. Nineteen resident learners completed the post-simulation questionnaire. Residents universally agreed or strongly agreed(19/19) that the simulation was realistic, well-organized, helpful for their learning, and applicable to future practice. This simulation required availability of four attending/fellow instructors for a two-hour period, and there were no supply costs.
Discussions: We present a comprehensive communication education tool that can improve resident understanding and competence in communication skills applicable to everyday practice. As there were no supply costs and limited faculty time costs, this simulation can provide a cost-effective, reproducible, and sustainable model for implementation in OB/GYN residency programs both nationally and globally.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Simulation, Quality & Safety, General Ob-Gyn,
Katerina Hoyt, MD, The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Gregory W. Kirschen, MD, PhD; Chi Chiung Grace Chen, MD, MHS; Betty Chou, MD; Golsa Yazdy, MD
