A simulation program for teaching obstetrics and gynecology residents the pediatric gynecology examination and procedures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of a pelvic simulation curriculum to teach obstetrics and gynecologic residents the pediatric gynecology examination and procedures.

DESIGN: Residents in obstetrics and gynecology participated in a simulation curriculum using a modified pelvic hemimodel to simulate a pediatric pelvis.

PARTICIPANTS: 19 obstetrics and gynecology residents completed the study protocol.

INTERVENTIONS: Digitally recorded encounters with a standardized patient scenario using the simulator were utilized. After the initial encounter the trainees participated in a formal lecture and demonstration using the model. The trainees were then reassessed at least four weeks after the initial encounter; results were reviewed by a blinded evaluator. Scores were analyzed using the two-sided t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores from before to after the simulation training.

RESULTS: A total of 19 residents completed the study protocol and demonstrated significant improvement in scores from before to after the simulation training. Scores improved from a pre-training mean of 6.1 to post-training mean of 16.7 (P = 0.0001). Improvement was seen at all levels of residency training. Specific skill sets included in the Council for Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Educational objectives (1) were improved including: pediatric gynecologic examination, collection of microbial cultures, vaginal lavage and vaginoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS: This teaching program using a simulation model was found to be an effective tool to improve resident knowledge and performance of the skills needed to accomplish the pediatric gynecology examination.