abstract: Assessing residents' disclosure of adverse events: traditional objective structured clinical examinations versus mixed reality.

Assessing residents' disclosure of adv... [J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2012 Apr;34(4):367-73.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON.

Abstract

Objective: 
The skill of disclosing adverse events is difficult to assess. Assessment of this competency in medical trainees is commonly achieved via the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) using a standardized patient (SP). We hypothesized that the addition of a simulated clinical adverse event prior to the SP encounter could increase trainees' engagement and empathy, thereby improving performance. The objective of this study was to explore whether experiencing a simulated adverse event prior to an SP encounter alters resident performance on a disclosure OSCE.


Conclusion: 
The assessment of adverse event disclosure was not enhanced by the addition of a simulated experience. Study participants reported that the simulation did not provide the contextual information required to elicit empathy and a sense of being emotionally invested in the adverse event.

pdf file: A National Survey of Endoscopic Practice Among Gynaecologists in Canada

A National Survey of Endoscopic Practice Among Gynaecologists in Canada

Abstract

Objective:
To assess the current status of endoscopic gynaecological
surgery in Canada, as well as the attitudes, perceptions, and
educational preferences regarding endoscopy among Canadian
obstetrician-gynaecologists.

Methods:
An electronic online survey was sent to 630 obstetrician gynaecologists in Canada through the Society of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists of Canada electronic mailing list. Survey
respondents were asked about demographic variables, level
of training and current practice of endoscopic procedures,
reasons for and barriers to performing endoscopy, and interest in
continuing surgical education in laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.


Results:
A total of 178 responses (28.3%) were collected and 152
(85.4%) analyzed. The majority of respondents were general
obstetrician-gynaecologists (78.0%). More gynaecologic surgeons
performed abdominal (92.7%) and vaginal hysterectomies (89.7%)
than laparoscopic (68.4%) and robotic hysterectomies (2.2%).
Even though 93.2% of respondents selected the endoscopic
approach as the preferred approach to surgery for their patients,
38.7% of respondents did not feel that they had adequate training
during residency to perform endoscopy. Lack of operating room
resources and lack of time and opportunity for further training were
frequently selected as major barriers to performing endoscopy.
Participants identified weekend continuing medical education
courses and trained endoscopic surgeon outreach as preferred
methods of acquiring endoscopic skills.

Conclusion:
This survey provides a contemporary assessment of
the current endoscopic practice patterns of Canadian obstetrician gynaecologists, and it helps to identify some potentially modifiable
factors hindering the practice of endoscopy and some possible
solutions to overcoming these barrier

abstract: Can online learning adequately prepare medical students to undertake a first female pelvic examination?

 

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2012 Mar;34(3):264-8.

Source

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston ON.

Abstract

Objective:
To determine whether a novel web-based learning module could adequately prepare first-year undergraduate medical students to skilfully perform their first female pelvic examination.

Methods:
First-year Queen's University medical students without prior training or experience in female pelvic examination were recruited for this study. After viewing key segments of the learning module, students were evaluated while performing a pelvic examination on a female volunteer using a standardized assessment checklist (total score = 30 points). Descriptive and comparative statistics were generated.

Results:
Forty-five students participated with a mean age of 24 years (range 20 to 40). The mean score (±SD) on the assessment checklist was 23.9 ± 3.6 points, (range 17 to 30). All study participants received a passing grade of ≥ 50% (15/30 points), and 53.3% (24/45) received an honours grade of ≥ 80% (24/30 points). Of the participants, 88.9% (40/45) agreed that they were well prepared for their first female pelvic examination after viewing the training video. Mean scores were similar for male students (23.9, n = 22) and female students (23.8, n = 23) (P = 0.90, t test). Mean scores were not higher in those who watched key segments of the learning module more than once.

Conclusion:
This learning module viewed immediately prior to a simulated clinic session afforded first-year medical students the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a first female pelvic examination. This was accomplished with as little as one viewing, and could lead to savings in organizational costs and instruction time for medical school curricula.

abstract: Palliative Medicine Fellowship: A Study of Resident Choices

Context

There are no data on the motives or characteristics of physicians choosing fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM).

Objectives

To understand more about the residents who choose HPM and what leads them to this decision.

Conclusion

Negative experiences with end-of-life care in residency, particularly in the intensive care unit, continue to be a factor in selection of HPM as a specialty. Many residents make their decision to enter the field and apply during Postgraduate Year 3. Most received negative comments about the choice. Fellows require a broad range of experience when selecting a fellowship program.