OP29.06: Evaluation of Canadian obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound curriculum and self‐reported competency of final‐year residents

Abstract

Standards for Canadian obstetrician-gynecologists' ultrasound skills are limited and vague, especially when compared to other international oversight bodies. The primary objective was to audit the current curriculum administered to Canadian Ob/Gyn residents and secondarily, to understand self-perceived competency of final-year residents in performing Ob/Gyn ultrasound. Lastly, we sought to identify perceived barriers to incorporation of ultrasound into future practice. A paper-based cross-sectional questionnaire, distributed to two cohorts of final-year Canadian Ob/Gyn residents, asked about formal and informal ultrasound training opportunities and their perceived competency with respect to specific ultrasound skills. Participants also identified perceived obstacles to independently using ultrasound in their future practice. All 16 Canadian residency programs were represented in the 81 out of the possible 167 participants (49%). Ultrasound training varied in its delivery and quantity, with 25% of programs offering no formal rotation. Formal training time was disproportionately dedicated to obstetrics compared to gynecology (85% vs. 15%). Self-reported competency for basic obstetric ultrasound skills, including presentation, placentation, and biophysical profile, was high (85-90%). Conversely, self-reported competency for gynecologic ultrasound skills, including visualisation of uterus, measurement of endometrial thickness, and ovarian morphology, was variable (20-90%). The main barrier to incorporating ultrasound into future practice was lack of adequate training. Canadian Ob/Gyn programs lack standardisation of ultrasound training. The imbalance in training between obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound may influence the generally low levels of self-reported competency in gynecologic skills in residents. Standardisation of ultrasound education and increasing gynecologic ultrasound training in residency are the necessary first steps in preparing Ob/Gyn graduates to use ultrasound.