Patients' attitude towards residents' participation during gynaecological surgery

To evaluate patients' attitude towards participation of residents in training in gynaecological surgery and patients understanding of resident position.

An observational survey study was performed between July and February 2007-2008 in an outpatient clinic of a department of obstetrics and gynaecology of a teaching hospital. Patients planned for gynaecological surgery were concerned eligible. 247 questionnaires were handed out of which 204 were returned (response rate 82.6%). Primary outcome measure was level of confidence in a resident performing hysterectomy in various operative settings. Secondary, patients' understanding of the medical education system was tested.

There was no difference between confidence in a specialist performing a hysterectomy compared to an experienced resident considered competent and under supervision of a specialist. Respondents have significantly less confidence in less experienced residents operating under supervision and in all residents operating without supervision (P<0.001). From the respondents, 85.6% believes a resident in training has received less education than a resident not in training. 38.6% believes a resident received less training than a medical student. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS 16.0 (SSPS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Respondents have confidence in a resident in training performing an operation under supervision when it concerns an experienced resident that is considered competent. A majority of respondents does not understand the position of a resident in training. Patient education on resident participation should be improved and the certainty that an operating resident is competent should be emphasized.