Obstetrics-Gynecology Resident Attitudes and Perceptions About Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Targeted Needs Assessment to Aid Curriculum Development

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) accounts for 10% of gynecologic visits and is a common complaint in university-based and community resident clinics. Resident education about CPP has been inconsistent, and review of the limited literature shows predominantly negative perceptions of patients with CPP. Current literature lacks information regarding obstetrics-gynecology residents' attitudes and acquired knowledge regarding CPP. Objective This targeted needs assessment aims to identify regional obstetrics-gynecology resident attitudes and self-perceived knowledge regarding chronic pelvic pain in order to better address potential educational barriers and look toward placing a greater emphasis on this area in resident training. Methods We conducted a focus group of obstetrics-gynecology residents to identify major themes regarding attitudes about CPP. This informed the development of a survey administered to university-based and community-based obstetrics-gynecology residents (N  =  57) in the Colorado part of the Western Mountain Region. Cronbach α was calculated to determine reliability for each theme, and descriptive statistics were calculated for each theme. Independent samples t tests assessed differences between training levels and between university and community training sites. Results Survey response rate was 72% (41 of 57). Residents consistently reported feeling overwhelmed by CPP patients, perceived a lack of time to see these patients, and indicated a desire to learn more in this area, but they varied in chosen learning methods. No significant differences were found between levels of training or training sites. Conclusions Most obstetrics-gynecology residents surveyed believe they are inadequately prepared to address the needs of women presenting with CPP.