Assessment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Evaluation With Motion Analysis Using a Computer-Based Simulator

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn) residents’ current obstetric sonography knowledge, confidence, and psychomotor skills to provide clinical preceptors with a greater understanding of how to approach teaching sonography to residents. Methods: Ten OB/Gyn residents were assessed on their sonographic performance by measuring psychomotor skills and evaluating diagnostic accuracy of images. At the conclusion of the assessment, residents received feedback and completed a survey to establish their current confidence level in performing and interpreting sonograms. Results: Motion analysis revealed excessive transducer movements made by the residents when acquiring images, particularly in terms of angular movement. The median score on the assessment template was 33 out of 66 points (interquartile range, 26.75–42.5), where residents had difficulty acquiring all required criteria for first-trimester dating and biometry views/measurements, determining fetal situs, and identifying landmarks to ensure intended anatomy is visualized. Conclusions: Absence of formalized sonography training creates a need for clinical preceptors to teach basic anatomy/landmarks, transducer movements, and criteria for dating and biometry views/measurements. This poses a challenge for preceptors at high-volume sites; thus, high-fidelity simulation could be part of a solution. Simulation can provide residents with the opportunity to develop basic sonography skills outside of clinical, then refine and build upon those skills with preceptors.