Creating an ideal objective structured clinical exam for an obstetrics and gynecology medical student clerkship.

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe our experience with the Objective Structured Clinical Exam during the third-year obstetrics/gynecology clerkship.

Study Design: Our 8-station Objective Structured Clinical Exam is described in detail. We analyzed grades from the Objective Structured Clinical Exam for overall distribution, comparing among and between groups by year and among exam sites and correlating with the National Board of Medical Examiners subject exam and the final clerkship grades.

Early intervention for perinatal depression.

Objective: This study was undertaken to design a process that effectively identifies and facilitates early intervention for women in an obstetrics clinic who are at risk for postpartum depression.

Study Design: Under this new program, labeled ISIS (Identify, Screen, Intervene, Support), we educated our new obstetric patients and clinic staff about postpartum depression through patient education classes, departmental lectures, and handouts. Then, we implemented simple procedures to identify risk factors for depression at intake and screened for depressive symptoms at the 32-week visit using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Variation in medical student grading criteria: a survey of clerkships in obstetrics and gynecology.

Objective: Our purpose was to assess how obstetrics/gynecology clerkships incorporate methods of student assessment into grades.

Study Design: A survey that included a broad range of assessment methods was distributed to obstetrics/gynecology clerkship directors registered with the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Respondents were asked to indicate the methods used for assessment and to indicate the weight assigned to these methods in determining a student grade.

Incorporating problem-based learning into an obstetrics/gynecology clerkship: impact on student satisfaction and grades.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of the problem-based learning method on student grade and on student and faculty satisfaction.

Study Design: The problem-based learning method was instituted at 2 of 5 obstetrics/gynecology clerkship sites. Students and faculty were surveyed, with the use of a Likert scale, regarding aspects of satisfaction with the clerkship.