Testing and validation of a low-cost cystoscopy teaching model: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate whether the use of a low-cost cystoscopy model effectively trains residents in cystourethroscopy and to validate the model as a teaching tool.


METHODS
A randomized, controlled, and evaluator-blinded study was performed. Twenty-nine obstetrician-gynecologist residents had access to fresh-frozen cadavers on which baseline cystoscopic skills were assessed using the validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills checklists for cystourethroscopy. Subsequently, residents were randomized to one of two arms, a didactic study arm using the cystoscopy model and a control arm. Repeated technical skills testing was performed.


RESULTS
The study group demonstrated statistically significant decreases in cystoscope assembly time (128.8 seconds at baseline to 54.9 seconds postintervention; P=.005), and increases in task-specific checklist scores (from 59.3 at baseline to 92.9 postintervention; P<.001) and in global rating scale scores (from 61.0 at baseline to 87.8 postintervention; P<.001). Further, there was a significant improvement in task-specific checklist (P<.001), global rating scale (P=.002), and knowledge quiz scores (P=.011) in the study arm compared with the control arm.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the bladder model exhibited validity in enhancing performance and knowledge of cystourethroscopy among ob-gyn residents.


METHODS
I.
Bowling
C Bryce
CB
From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Women's Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Greer
W Jerod
WJ
Bryant
Shannon A
SA
Gleason
Jonathan L
JL
Szychowski
Jeff M
JM
Varner
R Edward
RE
Holley
Robert L
RL
Richter
Holly E
HE
D003558:Cystoscopy; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000191:economics