The Implementation of Communication Didactics for OB/GYN Residents on the Disclosure of Adverse Perioperative Events.

Objective: Communication skills are key components of the patient-physician relationship, yet are not routinely taught during residency. Institutional data demonstrates 75% of residents regularly encounter difficult communication scenarios. This study's objective is to develop and pilot a communications didactic/skills training program for Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) residents focused on the disclosure of adverse perioperative events.

Design: This was an observational, prospective cohort pilot study. OB/GYN residents completed a 4-hour interactive curriculum using VitalTalk methodology, certified facilitators, and simulated patients in 2019. Participants completed self-assessments of their skill levels at 3 time points: prior to training, immediately post-training, 3-month post-training. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate change in skill levels.

Setting: University-based program in North Carolina.

Participants: Participants included all OB/GYN residents from postgraduate years 1-4. Out of 31 residents, 27 participated in the training, 24 completed the immediately post-training survey, and 23 completed the 3-month post-training survey.

Results: At baseline, most residents rated their global skill level in communication as novice (37.0%) or advanced beginner (33.3%). Immediately following the intervention, 41.7% of residents ranked their global skill as "competent" and 20.8% as "proficient." These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Notable improvements were seen across multiple variables, including the handling of emotional reactions (p = 0.046). No significant changes were noted between the immediately post-training and 3-month time points, suggesting skill retention. Majority of trainees (78.3%) felt that refresher courses would be useful for skill maintenance.

Conclusion: A simulation-based formalized communication curriculum is effective for improving OB/GYN resident competence and skill levels in the disclosure of adverse perioperative events. Specific to adverse surgical complications, this curriculum appears feasible for implementation by other training programs. Further work is needed to identify the most beneficial timing and modality of these workshops.