title: Medical student self-reported confidence in obstetrics and gynaecology: development of a core clinical competencies document.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical competencies in obstetrics and gynaecology have not been clearly defined for Australian medical students, the growing numbers of which may impact clinical teaching. Our aim was to administer and validate a competencies list, for self-evaluation by medical students of their confidence to manage common clinical tasks in obstetrics and gynaecology; to evaluate students' views on course changes that may result from increasing class sizes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A draft list of competencies was peer-reviewed, and discussed at two student focus groups. The resultant list was administered as part of an 81 item online survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-eight percent (N = 172) of those eligible completed the survey. Most respondents (75.8%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident and well equipped to recognise and manage most common and important obstetric and gynaecological conditions. Confidence was greater for women, and for those who received a higher assessment grade. Free-text data highlight reasons for lack of clinical experience that may impact perceived confidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The document listing competencies for medical students and educators is useful for discussions around a national curriculum in obstetrics and gynaecology in medical schools, including the best methods of delivery, particularly in the context of increasing student numbers.
authors: Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Adelaide 5005, Australia.
authors: Kristen
authors: K
authors: Pierides
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Duggan
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Chur-Hansen
authors: Amaya
authors: A
authors: Gilson
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*
references: Med J Aust. 2006 Apr 3;184(7):346-8
references: 16584370
references: Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2011 Dec;51(6):553-8
references: 21981308
references: Mt Sinai J Med. 2009 Aug;76(4):330-43
references: 19642147
references: Med J Aust. 2007 Apr 2;186(S7):S14-9
references: 17407415
references: J Hosp Med. 2006;1 Suppl 1:57-67
references: 17219574
references: Med Educ. 2004 Apr;38(4):358-67
references: 15025637
references: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Nov;199(5):563.e1-9
references: 18533118
references: J Reprod Med. 1978 Oct;21(4):259-64
references: 739482
references: Acad Med. 2000 Jul;75(7):737-41
references: 10926026
references: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Sep;187(3 Suppl):S12-4
references: 12235431
references: Scand J Public Health. 2009 Mar;37(2):139-45
references: 19141548
references: Med Teach. 2006 Sep;28(6):495-6
references: 17074698