Forceps-Assisted Vaginal Deliveries: What Is the Training Landscape of Current MFM Fellows? [7I

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study is to determine the current landscape of forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (FAVD) training across the United States (U.S.) amongst MFM fellows. METHODS: An online survey was created on REDCap and sent to MFM Fellowship Program Directors for distribution to current MFM fellows in the U.S. Geographic regions were determined using Census Bureau-designated regions. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 106 MFM fellows (42% of U.S. fellows). Only 22.6% of fellows had performed >30 FAVDs, with 33% having performed ≤10 FAVDs. In comparison, 35.8% of fellows had performed more than 30 vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries (VAVD). While 95.2% of fellows feel prepared to perform a VAVD independently, only 59.4% feel prepared to do FAVDs independently. Nonetheless, 53% of MFM fellows favor performing a FAVD. There is no significant difference in the percent of fellows by geographic region who have performed >30 FAVD (P=0.87). MFM fellows in the West are most likely to have performed >30 FAVD at 57.8%, compared to 42.3%, 35% and 11.4% in the Midwest, South and Northeast, respectively. CONCLUSION: MFM fellows are more confident with VAVD compared to FAVD. Despite lower confidence with FAVD, the majority of MFM fellows feel comfortable performing FAVDs independently. Region of training does not significantly affect one's training in FAVDs. A coordinated nationwide effort to increase exposure to and confidence for FAVDs should be considered.