title: Proficiency in oocyte retrieval: how many procedures are necessary for training?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine a minimum number of procedures required for proficiency in oocyte retrieval and to characterize skill acquisition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fellows in training from 2005 to 2007 and 2008 to 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Proficiency scores were calculated by dividing the number of oocytes retrieved by oocytes expected. The 2005 to 2007 trainees were grouped and proficiency scores calculated as an average during specific points in their training. The 2008 to 2010 trainees were compared individually to determine differences in individual skill acquisition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A greater number of oocytes were retrieved than expected, 8.6 versus 7.6. A relatively lower proficiency score was noted during the first 10 trainee aspirations (proficiency score=1.1) compared with subsequent aspirations (proficiency score=1.25 for retrievals 11-20, proficiency score=1.21 for retrievals 21-30 and >31). When individual fellows' scores were calculated, the majority achieved proficiency by 20 aspirations, and all but one trainee achieved the mean staff proficiency score by 50 retrievals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regardless of a trainee's initial proficiency in oocyte retrieval, there were no statistically significant differences in the learning curve between trainees. The majority of individual fellows in training demonstrate proficiency in follicular aspirations within 20 procedures; however, a minority may require 50 procedures to achieve the proficiency of an attending physician.
authors: Program of Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors: Kara N
authors: KN
authors: Goldman
authors: Kimberly S
authors: KS
authors: Moon
authors: Belinda J
authors: BJ
authors: Yauger
authors: Mark D
authors: MD
authors: Payson
authors: James H
authors: JH
authors: Segars
authors: Barbara J
authors: BJ
authors: Stegmann
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D059032:Learning Curve; D016014:Linear Models; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors