Transvaginal Ultrasound Simulation/Curriculum for Third-Year Medical Students Improves Educational Experience on Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship [ID 2683421

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) curriculum with simulation on third-year medical students' obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was waived for this study. The TVUS curriculum was introduced in May 2023. A 2-hour educational session with simulation was held at the beginning of the 6-week obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. At the end of the clerkship, a survey was administered to assess students’ experience and comfort level with TVUS. Students who completed their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship prior to the curriculum (July 2022 to April 2023) or were not present for the TVUS educational session were administered the same survey. Likert scale responses were compared using ordered logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-one of 69 students present for the TVUS curriculum, and 66 of 187 who were absent, completed the post-clerkship survey. Students present for the TVUS curriculum were more likely to report greater understanding of the TVUS they observed during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship (OR 2.63 [1.25, 5.65]; P=.012). They were more likely to report increased comfort recognizing normal anatomy (OR 5.18 [2.42, 11.59]; P<.001), and gynecologic pathology (OR 8.40 [3.84, 19.24]; P<.001), on real-time TVUS. Additionally, they were more likely to report increased overall understanding on their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship because of their TVUS knowledge and experience (OR 5.47 [2.56, 12.20]; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Universal implementation of TVUS curriculum with simulation should be considered in undergraduate medical education given the potential to improve educational experience on the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.