Implementing a teaching service for voluntary faculty in obstetrics and gynecology: long-term results

To ensure the highest quality of resident training, by engaging community private physicians (PMDs) as voluntary faculty, through implementing teaching services in both obstetrics (OB) and gynecology (Gyn) in July 2003. We now report on the long-term success and challenges of the strategy.

The case volume performed by residents was analyzed using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education self-reported resident statistics log, while resident educational satisfaction was analyzed using an anonymous survey.

Approximately 90% and 60% of eligible PMDs participated in the Gyn and OB teaching services, respectively. Following implementation of teaching services, resident vaginal delivery volume increased from 859 cases in 2003 to 1,750 in 2004 (104% increase). Gynecologic surgery volume increased from 2,397 cases in 2003 to 3,436 in 2004 (43% increase). Survey of the residents in 2009, 5 years after implementation, indicated that 61% felt the teaching services improved their training experience, 47% that it improved resident-nurse interaction, and 72% that it improved resident-medical staff interaction. However, 28% also felt that the presence of the teaching services frequently caused confusion regarding residents' roles and responsibilities.

The implementation of voluntary faculty teaching services in a residency training program enhanced the volume of cases available for training, with residents perceiving an improvement in their training and their interactions with attending staff. However, of concern was continued confusion regarding residents' patient care responsibilities.