A Low-fidelity Model for Office-based Hysteroscopy with a Vaginoscopic Approach

Hysteroscopy is an established method for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathology. A vaginoscopic approach for office-based hysteroscopy confers less pain; however, trainees report lack of confidence with this procedure. We sought to create a low-fidelity simulation model for office-based hysteroscopy with a vaginoscopic approach and to evaluate the validity and reliability of this model.

Prospective cohort study.

A single academic medical center.

Eligible participants included obstetrics and gynecology residents and attendings who regularly perform hysteroscopy.

The vaginoscopy model was created with an inanimate female pelvis simulator with an exam glove placed within the vagina. Following 2 instructional videos, participants performed a hysteroscopy simulation with a vaginoscopic approach. The primary outcome was total score on a modified Global Rating Scale and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. The Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills outlines a series of steps that must be performed and was created with assistance from experts in hysteroscopy for providing content-oriented evidence of validity. Time to complete each task and total time were tracked. Participants completed a postprocedure survey assessing the model and experience.

A total of 30 physicians participated, with 20 residents (9 junior and 11 senior) and 10 attendings. Attending physicians completed the simulation faster than junior residents (197.2 ± 30.9 vs 289.8 ± 107.4 seconds, p = .022). On the Global Rating Scale, both attending physicians and senior residents scored significantly higher than junior residents (26.1 ± 2.4 vs 22.5 ± 3.7, p = .01). Postsurvey data demonstrated that 93.3% of all participants were satisfied with simulation, 96.6% found it useful, 80% found it realistic, and 93% indicated that they may use this technique in the future.

This study shows our low-fidelity model to be effective and useful and to improve confidence for vaginoscopic approach to hysteroscopy. Further studies are needed to assess ability to predict or improve clinical and surgical skills.