Universal Cystoscopy After Benign Hysterectomy: Examining the Effects of an Institutional Policy.

Objective: To evaluate the association between a universal cystoscopy policy at the time of benign hysterectomy and the detection of urologic injuries.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care academic center where a policy of universal cystoscopy at the time of benign hysterectomy was instituted on October 1, 2008. Benign hysterectomies performed from March 3, 2006, to September 25, 2013, were included and dichotomized into preuniversal and postuniversal cystoscopy groups.

Evaluation of a precise and measurable model for learning laparoscopic tissue handling.

Introduction: Laparoscopic tissue handling is quite difficult to measure using virtual-reality laparoscopic simulators and box-trainer exercises, and therefore, completion time is the predominant performance measure for simulation-based laparoscopic training exercises. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct validity of a training and assessment model for precise laparoscopic handling of delicate tissue.

Methods: Participants (n = 35) completed 2 progressively challenging laparoscopic tissue translocation exercises using delicate foam pieces and templates.

Low-hanging fruit: a clementine as a simulation model for advanced laparoscopy.

Introduction: Low-cost, high-fidelity models for training in advanced laparoscopic surgery techniques are not currently available. The objective of this study was to evaluate a model and assessment protocol for developing associated fine, precise laparoscopic dissection skills with accompanying surgical decision making.

Methods: Novice to expert laparoscopists (n = 41) were asked to remove the peel of a clementine in as few pieces as possible, separate and remove all albedo from and between all fruit segments, and return the clementine to as close to its natural state as possible with completely closed skin (sutured).

Effect of resident evaluations of obstetrics and gynecology faculty on promotion.

Background: Promotion for academic faculty depends on a variety of factors, including their research, publications, national leadership, and quality of their teaching.

Objective: We sought to determine the importance of resident evaluations of faculty for promotion in obstetrics-gynecology programs.

Methods: A 28-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to 185 department chairs of US obstetrics-gynecology residency programs.

Postinterview Communication between Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs and Candidates.

Introduction: Residency programs seek to match the best candidates with their positions. To avoid ethical conflicts in this process, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP or Match) has rules regarding appropriate conduct, including guidelines on contact between candidates and programs. Our study examined communication between obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) programs and residency candidates after interviewing and prior to ranking.

Validity: what does it mean for competency-based assessment in obstetrics and gynecology?

Validity refers to an evidence-based claim about the trustworthiness of decisions made from context-specific performance data. Validity requirements for competency-based assessments in obstetrics and gynecology have not been defined in the literature. We explain why validity is intrinsic to any discussion about competency assessment and provide a model for obstetrics and gynecology programs to use in determining the essential validity evidence for various forms of assessments.