Objective: To measure the effects of a specific instructional program designed to teach residents laparoscopic sterilization.
Methods: The teaching module consisted of a 40-minute videotape and monograph, which each resident studied 1-3 days before beginning a 4-5-week rotation on which he or she performed laparoscopic sterilization procedures. The change in knowledge was measured by comparing pre- and post-test assessments. Twenty-three PGY-2 gynecology residents were administered the peer-reviewed and validated pre-test, which consisted of 31 multiple-choice questions covering the following aspects of laparoscopic sterilization: 1) indications and complications, 2) general aspects of sterilization, 3) sterilization methods, and 4) technical aspects of occlusive device application. A post-test, which consisted of the identical 31 items with the question order changed, was administered after the teaching module was completed.
Results: The mean number of correct answers on the post-test (27.2 +/- 2.3, range 22-31) was significantly higher (P < .05) than the mean number of correct answers on the pre-test (17.9 +/- 3.4, range 13-24). There was no difference in residence scores if the module was completed early or late in the academic year or during the first or second year that the program was in effect.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that knowledge of a specific surgical technique can be measured and that structured learning packages can be effective. Efforts to teach residents a specific curriculum can have a significant effect on their fund of knowledge. Other specially designed programs may be applicable to procedures commonly performed by gynecologic residents.