Bell, Shannon

INTRODUCTION: Emergencies during gynecologic office procedures are uncommon. However, knowledge in management of these complications is essential as more gynecologic procedures move from the operating room to the office. Our goal was to develop an interactive curriculum to address a gap in residency training in the management of office-based procedural emergencies. METHODS: A curriculum including management of unanticipated bleeding, anaphylaxis, vasovagal response, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) was developed and implemented using a combination of simulated patient sessions, a “choose-your-own-adventure” PowerPoint, and a mock oral board session. Pre and post intervention surveys queried participants’ confidence in recognition and management. The curriculum was delivered as in-person simulation sessions or virtual sessions due to COVID restrictions. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained. Mean pre and post intervention scores were compared using paired t-test. RESULTS: Four accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs participated. Twenty-nine trainees completed the curriculum, and 24 submitted pre and post surveys (82.8% response rate). There was significant improvement in confidence scores for management of unanticipated bleeding (mean difference 0.96, P<.001), anaphylaxis (mean difference 1.7, P<.001), vasovagal response (mean difference 1.0, P<.001), and LAST (mean difference 2.5, P<.001). Additionally, significant improvement in confidence scores for identification of risk factors and signs/symptoms of vasovagal response (mean difference 0.96, P<.001, and 0.46, P=.005) and LAST (mean difference 2.3, P<.001, and 2.2, P<.001) was noted. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an office emergencies curriculum significantly increased confidence in identification and management of unanticipated bleeding, anaphylaxis, vasovagal response, and LAST. Future studies evaluating knowledge-based assessments of learners are needed.

INTRODUCTION: While rare, emergencies encountered during office procedures have the potential for significant morbidity if the team is caught unprepared. The aim of this study was to evaluate current availability of and needs for training in office emergencies in residency programs in the United States. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of residents from accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. Identified programs were those with representation in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Simulation Working Group (ACOG SWG). A multi-item instrument was developed, designed, and edited by representatives of the ACOG SWG for accuracy and content validity. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with statements on importance of training in the recognition and management of obstetrics and gynecology emergencies and their confidence in management of those emergencies. Specific emergencies encountered in the office, gynecologic surgery, and obstetrics were queried. RESULTS: Six programs participated for a total of 116 residents and a response rate of 62% (116/188). Most residents agreed office emergency (97.5%) and obstetric emergency training (94.8%) were important in residency training. While 65.5% were confident in managing a vasovagal episode in the office, 0.9% were confident in managing lidocaine toxicity. In contrast, the majority of residents felt confident in obstetric emergency management across all listed emergencies (hemorrhage, cord prolapse, shoulder dystocia, eclampsia). CONCLUSION: While rated as important to residency training, significant gaps exist within resident preparation for identification and management of office-based emergencies, providing an opportunity for curriculum development and education.