Competence of medical and obstetric registrars in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus has a predilection for women of childbearing age. Globally a shortage of rheumatologists exists resulting in general physicians and obstetricians treating systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy. Methods We conducted a survey amongst medical and obstetric registrars in South Africa to assess their subjective and objective competence in managing pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Results The pass rate for the objective section was 70.8% with no statistically significant difference in the pass rate between medical and obstetric registrars. Participants felt unprepared to manage pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus, with a mean overall score of 3.4 out of 7 for the subjective section, based on four Likert scale type questions. Conclusion Trainees are not able to accurately assess their own levels of competence in order to identify their learning needs. Due to the shortage of rheumatologists and lack of obstetric physicians in South Africa, general physicians and obstetricians must be equipped to provide adequate care to pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus.