Identification of educational objectives for obstetrics and gynecology residents in the ambulatory setting.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to identify specific educational goals for obstetrics and gynecology residents in the ambulatory setting.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of current practice patterns in primary care, benign gynecology, and office procedures was performed with mailings to local private practice obstetrician-gynecologists. Questions for the anonymous written survey were generated using the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology educational objectives. Telephone interviews with staff from billing offices confirmed practitioner responses.


RESULTS
Of 88 practitioners, 43 (49%) responded. Diagnoses made in the office correlated well with the topics considered important for resident knowledge. Most important primary care diagnoses were depression and abdominal pain; important gynecologic diagnoses were abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, contraception, and vulvovaginal infection.


CONCLUSIONS
This study offers a valid, practical foundation for developing a focused ambulatory resident education program based on current outpatient obstetrics-gynecology practice patterns.
Kacmar
Jennifer E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown Medical School and Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA. jkacmar@carene.org
Weitzen
Sherry
S
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000592:standards*; D012237:Rhode Island; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires