Gerontology

Family medicine

Internal medicine

Confidence interval

Odds ratio

Medicine

Logistic regression

Journal of Investigative Medicine

Introduction null Several surveys demonstrate that internal medicine residents do not feel adequately trained in women9s health areas during residency. In response, many institutions have begun women9s health tracks. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effect of a women9s health track on clinical competencies in core women9s health areas among women9s health residents and categorical residents. We hypothesize that participation in a women9s health track improves the women9s health education of internal medicine residents. null Method null In May and June of 2006, a survey was e-mailed to all internal medicine and medicine/pediatrics residents at four institutions, two of which had a women9s health track and two of which did not. The survey addressed demographic data, residents9 self-perceptions of competency in women9s health, and residents9 thoughts on a women9s health track. The survey used a scale of 1 (beginner) to 5 (advanced). The primary outcome was whether women9s health residents perceived themselves as more competent in women9s health. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between residency track and level of ability in women9s health. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were obtained. null Results null Responses were obtained from 96 residents. For all residents, the mean response on women9s health topics was less than 3.7. Compared with categorical residents at an institution without a women9s health track, women9s health residents were more likely to rate themselves as advanced (“4” or “5”) in performing a bimanual examination (odd ratio [OR] 6.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-43.2), performing a Pap smear (OR 14.39, 95% CI 1.21-170), knowing when women can stop being screened for cervical and breast cancer (OR 6.10, 95% CI 1.01-34.6), knowing when to stop hormone replacement therapy (OR 12.37, 95% CI 1.88-80.9), and in diagnosing and treating incontinence (OR 21.2, 95% CI 2.81-159). null Conclusions null Our study showed that residents in a women9s health track feel more competent in certain key areas of women9s health. Although our study numbers are small, we feel that an important conclusion resounds. Many internal medicine residents lack a strong ability in several core areas of women9s health, suggesting that residency programs must continue to improve the women9s health education of all internal medicine residents.

366 INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS' TRAINING IN WOMEN'S HEALTH: HOW EFFECTIVE IS A WOMEN'S HEALTH TRACK?