Developing an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Curriculum for the Care of Gender-Diverse Patients [ID: 1380351

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Standardized training across obstetrics and gynecology residency programs to care for LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse individuals is lacking. A pilot simulation session for ob-gyn residents was developed to educate, increase comfort, and assess clinical competency in providing reproductive and sexual health care for this population. METHODS: A simulation session with standardized patients was developed for ob-gyn residents at a university teaching hospital (n=16). The session focused on the gynecologic exam, counseling for gender-affirming therapies and surgeries, as well as contraception and family building options in this population. Presession and postsession surveys of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were analyzed. The initial simulation session was conducted in May 2021. After a repeat simulation in March 2023, 2 years of data will be included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Posttest attitude analyses demonstrated that among residents with lower pretest scores, the majority endorsed increased comfort with explaining and eliciting gender identity. All residents agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation was effective in improving their communication with transgender and gender-diverse patients, and similarly agreed or strongly agreed that they desired a similar training session in the future. CONCLUSION: Advancing sexual, reproductive, and gender-affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals requires institutional investment in standardized educational opportunities for ob-gyn residents. This initiative to develop a longitudinal patient simulation session for ob-gyn residents offers a unique and effective model for other residency programs.