Purpose: We developed a comprehensive course about sutures and needles most commonly used in obstetrics and gynecology (obgyn) for residents at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of this standardized educational intervention on subsequent performance.
Background: Obgyn residents must learn a wide range of clinical and surgical skills in a short span of time. Many technical aspects are taught during hands-on training, which could lead to heterogeneous knowledge amongst residents. It is critical that residents learn early in their career the biomechanical properties of sutures and needles to choose the appropriate material for obgyn surgery.
Methods: This prospective survey was conducted in October 2020 with a total of 23 participants. 20 surveys were completed, which corresponds to a 87% response rate. The trainees completed a 37-question survey which was applied pre and postcourse. The results were computed for a mean score and compared with a paired t-test.
Results: Twenty participants completed the comprehensive course. The average postcourse scores were significantly higher than the mean precourse scores for all participants (73% versus 64% respectively, p < 0.01). The greatest score improvement was observed in PGY3 residents (20% increase). No participants scored lower in the postcourse test. Overall, trainees felt more comfortable at the end of the course and significantly improved their perceived confidence in choosing the correct suture and needle types used obgyn procedures (mean 2.7 precourse versus 3.6 postcourse, p < 0.01).
Discussions: Implementation of this comprehensive curriculum was feasible and successful. Course participation improved obgyn resident knowledge in the biomechanical properties of needles and sutures most commonly used in our field. The course increased the trainees’ perceived confidence in choosing the correct material for select obgyn surgical scenarios.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, CME, UME, Assessment, Lecture, Team-Based Learning, General Ob-Gyn,
Victoria Y. Arruga Novoa y Novoa, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Lamia Alamri, MD; Nicola White, MD
