Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents Self-perceived Competency Regarding Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery: An Internet-based Cross-sectional Survey

Zinat Ghanbari; Fatemeh Mostaan; Narges Saleh; Maedeh Raznahan; Khadijeh Adabi

doi:10.18502/jimc.v5i1.9587

Zinat Ghanbari Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Mostaan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Narges Saleh Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maedeh Raznahan Epidemiology, Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Khadijeh Adabi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v5i1.9587

Keywords: Cross-sectional studies, Female, Gynecology, Pelvic floor, Surgeons

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to assess factors associated with residents’ perceived competency regarding female pelvic medicine and reconstruction surgery (FPMRS).

Methods: We conducted an Internet-based cross-sectional survey. Obstetrics and gynecology residents’ self-perceived competence in clinical skills for management of pelvic floor disorders were questioned. Competency in different aspects was analyzed concerning the availability of fellowship-trained professor, rotation, and fellowship training program.

Results: 1168 residents of four levels of residency participated in this study. 760 (65.06 %) of residents were not trained by a fellowship-trained attendant. Of 409 (35.01%) responders who were trained by board-certified fellowship, 334 had FPMRS rotation in their residency program. Senior residents were significantly more confident than residents in the first and second years. 695 (59.50 %) of residents reported participating in the pelvic floor surgeries; however, only 15.3 % were served as primary surgeons. Where pelvic floor education had been provided by a fellowship-trained attendant, more perceived competency was evident in all fields of clinical skills except performance as primary surgeon and management of emergency cases. Among residents trained by board-certified FPMRS attendants, there were no significant differences regarding FPMRS rotation or fellowship training programs. 88.69 % of residents declared that a comprehensive course in the field of FPMRS is needed in the residency curriculum.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that being trained by board-certified FPMRS attendants has significant effect on residents’ self-perceived competency. Residency education was not compromised by fellowship training program.