Tracking Obstetrical and Gynecological Experiences Using Mobile Devices [19P

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tracking clinical experiences is important toward progression of entrustable professional activities required by medical schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using an innovative real-time mobile device tracker for medical student clinical experiences compared with the traditional tracking using a passport log. METHODS: A prospective single cohort observational study was performed using third year medical students in obstetrics and gynecology rotations. Participants downloaded the obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) tracker and recorded their clinical experiences; procedures, number, and degree of involvement. Results were compared with data from the passport log. Outcomes included data comparison from both tracking methods and end of clerkship student surveys. Internal review board exemption was obtained. Paired t-tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-six students participated in the study over 6 months. The OBG tracker recorded 269 entries, the passport recorded 187. The OBG tracker recorded higher numbers of procedures compared to the passport (procedure type, 56 OBG tracker, 8 passport, p<0.001; degree of involvement, 30 OBG tracker, 0 passport, p<0.001). OBG tracker also tabulated student involvement in cases; 40.2% vaginal deliveries, 41.2% delivered placentas, 62.0% coached patients, 50.9% inserted catheters, 35.8% sutured, 33.3% pelvic exam, 23.3% breast exams. Student surveys rated OBG tracker more useful than the passport (OBG tracker 1.29, passport 4.06, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a mobile device tracker for clinical experiences allowed for more meaningful real-time data of learners than the traditional passport logs. Tracking detailed experiences and degree of involvement is important to entrustment decisions in medical education.