An Alumni Survey as a Needs Assessment for Curriculum Improvement in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements recommend using outside measures to perform annual residency program evaluations to identify areas for program improvement. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify areas for residency program improvement via an alumni survey. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was sent to the last 10 years of graduates from our obstetrics and gynecology residency program. RESULTS: Response rate was 63% (34 of 54). All respondents reported being comfortable serving as gynecologic consultants. More than 75% (26 of 54) reported being comfortable performing abdominal hysterectomies, vaginal hysterectomies, basic and complex laparoscopies, and vaginal surgery. Regarding management of urologic injuries, the participants' responses varied, with 58% (20 of 34) reporting they felt prepared, 21% (7 of 34) with neutral responses, and 21% (7 of 34) reporting they felt unprepared. For total laparoscopic hysterectomy, 65% (22 of 34) reported feeling prepared, 29% (10 of 34) reported they felt unprepared, and 9% (3 of 34) reported they felt neutral. All respondents indicated that he or she would still choose the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at the University of Michigan. CONCLUSION: An alumni survey can provide useful outside measures for training programs to assess their effectiveness in preparing their graduates for independent practice. Results of alumni surveys can provide a blueprint for program improvement.