Enhancing postgraduate training in pediatric and adolescent gynecology: evaluation of an advanced pelvic simulation session

Abstract

Study objective: To describe and evaluate a Canadian simulation session designed to teach pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) history taking, examination and operative skills, and an approach to the child and adolescent.

Design: Obstetrics and gynecology residents in a single academic center participated in a PAG simulation session and rated their gain in knowledge on 6 aspects of PAG care.

Setting: Academic half-day at the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre.

Participants: Twenty-four Obstetrics/Gynecology residents at the University of Ottawa.

Interventions: Participants completed 4 stations teaching PAG-appropriate history taking, genital examination, Tanner staging, vaginal sampling and flushing, hymenectomy, vaginoscopy, laparoscopic adnexal detorsion, and approach to the child/adolescent. Advanced pelvic models were used for procedure specific stations. Participants completed an anonymous evaluation form at the end of the session.

Main outcome measure: Self-perceived increase in knowledge and PAG specific skills after the simulation session.

Results: Twenty-four residents completed the simulation session and post-session evaluation. All residents (100%) agreed that they had gained knowledge in PAG history taking, examination techniques, office procedures, operative skills, approach to child, and approach to the adolescent. Qualitative feedback stressed the excellence of instruction, interaction, immediate feedback, and hands-on experience. All residents (100%) stated the PAG simulation session should continue.

Conclusions: This advanced PAG simulation session increased resident self-perceived knowledge. Other obstetrics/gynecology training programs should consider implementing advanced PAG simulation sessions to increase resident knowledge and confidence in delivering care to the pediatric/adolescent patient.

Keywords: Adolescent; Curriculum; Gynecology; Pediatric; Post graduate medical education; Session; Simulation; Teaching.