A Standardized Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Education Curriculum: Multi-Institutional Needs Assessment Survey

Abstract

At the completion of training in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn), residents are expected to have comprehensive knowledge of the field. However, there is no comprehensive Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum. We hypothesize that there is a need for a standardized curriculum. A needs assessment survey was administered to determine the current state of resident didactic education, the perceptions that Ob/Gyn residents, program directors (PDs), and assistant program directors (APDs) have regarding centralization and standardization of education, and the need for a standardized Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum. In 2019, a web-based survey was distributed to Ob/Gyn residents and program leadership from three institutions. The main outcomes were measured on a 5-pt Likert scale. A total of 50 (3 PDs, 5 APDs, and 42 residents) participants completed the survey with a response rate of 68% (50/73). Almost all (94%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that residents nationwide should have equal access to high-quality Ob/Gyn educational resources. Further, 92% agreed or strongly agreed that core Ob/Gyn resources should be centrally located. A majority, 76%, agreed or strongly agreed that there is a need for a national curriculum. This study demonstrates a perceived need for a centrally located, standardized Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum.