Obgyn resident research program practices and outcomes after implementation in an academically affiliated residency program

Abstract

ProblemUnlike other aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency training, the research education curriculum and requirements are not standardized. It is unclear what constitutes core curricula in educational research programs, which components are most useful and efficacious, and how to use these findings to adapt existing programs.ApproachA multi-phase approach to (1) garner cross-sectional data from United States OBGYN Residency Program Directors and review previously published literature, (2) use Phase I and input from clinical, research and education faculty to develop a comprehensive program, and (3) evaluate the program for resident research productivity, knowledge and satisfaction.OutcomesPhase I: Sixty-one (31%) Program Directors completed the survey. Most reported ≤ 4 research didactics per year and no dedicated research rotation. Programs with post graduate year (PGY) level specific didactics, a research rotation, or allocated time for the Research Director role noted higher odds of resident research resulting in peer-reviewed publication. Phase II: A Resident Research Program was adapted to include a clinical and research faculty co-directorship and seven additional didactics (all of which were PGY-specific). A departmentally funded resident research grant and a repository to monitor completion of milestones and program requirements have been developed. Surveys were used to track residents’ research competence and satisfaction with the research program. While resident involvement in research activities and satisfaction with opportunities for scholarly activity have improved, resident self-evaluations and mentor evaluations have not. In addition, we have not seen an increase in publications or presentations.ConclusionImplementation of components of a research program associated with increased productivity did not result in increased productivity in our program, however, resident satisfaction with scholarly activity did improve.