About a third of residents thought their residency training would not prepare them to perform obstetric ultrasound and interpret images, and more than three quarters wanted more formal training. About a quarter thought their residency training would not prepare them for gynecologic ultrasound, and almost 90% wanted more formal training.
More than half of the obstetrician/gynecologists thought that ultrasound was the responsibility of their profession. About half reported being comfortable performing pelvic ultrasound. A large majority agreed that it was important to have a formal curriculum in gynecologic ultrasound in OB/GYN residency programs.
Canada’s post-graduate programs appear to have a need for more gynecologic ultrasound training.
Green J, Kahan M, Wong S. Obstetric and Gynecologic Resident Ultrasound Education Project: Is the Current Level of Gynecologic Ultrasound Training in Canada Meeting the Needs of Residents and Faculty? J Ultrasound Med. 2015 Sep;34(9):1583-9
Abstract
Objectives
Ultrasound is a critical diagnostic imaging tool in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn). Obstetric ultrasound is taught during residency, but we suspected a gap in Gyn ultrasound education. Proficiency in Gyn ultrasound allows real-time interpretation and management of pelvic disease and facilitates technical skill development for trainees learning blinded procedures. This study sought to evaluate ultrasound education in Canada’s Ob/Gyn residency programs and assess whether residents and physicians perceived a need for a formalized Gyn ultrasound curriculum.
Methods
We distributed a needs assessment survey to residents enrolled in Canadian Ob/Gyn residency programs and to all obstetrician/gynecologists registered as members of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Residents were asked to specify their current training in ultrasound and to rate the adequacy of their curriculum. All respondents rated the importance of proficiency in pelvic ultrasound for practicing obstetrician/gynecologists as well as the perceived need for formalized ultrasound training in Ob/Gyn residency programs.
Results
Eighty-two residents and 233 physicians completed the survey. Extents and types of ultrasound training varied across residency programs. Most residents reported inadequate exposure to Gyn ultrasound, and most residents and physicians agreed that it is important for obstetrician/gynecologists to be proficient in Gyn ultrasound and that the development of a standardized Gyn ultrasound curriculum for residency programs is important.
Conclusion
Current ultrasound education in Ob/Gyn varies across Canadian residency programs. Training in Gyn ultrasound is lacking, and both trainees and physicians confirmed the need for a standardized Gyn ultrasound curriculum for residency programs in Canada.
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SonoSim Keywords: Ultrasound Education, Obstetrics, Medical Education, Canada