Identifying a Knowledge Deficit among Pediatric and General Practitioner Trainees in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology in an Irish Hospital: A Pilot Study

We aim to show that there is a knowledge deficit among pediatric and general practitioner (GP) trainees in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) and that this has implications for increased morbidity in girls. In October 2019 in a tertiary Irish pediatric hospital 50 junior doctors were approach...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology 2021-10, Vol.34 (5), p.631-634
Main Authors: Cosgrave, E.J., Geraghty, J.M., Geoghegan, A.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Child
Clinical Competence
Family doctor medical education
Female
General Practitioners
Gynecology - education
Hospitals
Humans
Ireland
Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology training, vulvovaginitis, paediatrician FGM
Paediatric medical education
PAG service
Pediatrics - education
Pilot Projects
Surveys and Questionnaires
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We aim to show that there is a knowledge deficit among pediatric and general practitioner (GP) trainees in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) and that this has implications for increased morbidity in girls. In October 2019 in a tertiary Irish pediatric hospital 50 junior doctors were approached (of a possible 66) and were surveyed in their knowledge of PAG with a written 21-question questionnaire incorporating 10 topics. Forty candidates participated (n = 31 pediatric and 9 GP). Sixty percent (n = 24/40) incorrectly misdiagnosed vulvovaginitis as candida; 80% (n = 32/40) could not identify labial adhesions; 47.5% (n = 19/40) were unable to define heavy menstrual bleeding. All of the GP trainees (n = 9/9) said they would prescribe the oral contraceptive pill compared with 51.6% (n = 16/31) of pediatric trainees; 52.5% (n = 21/40) did not consider sexually transmitted infection screening; and 70% (n = 28/40) could not identify female genital mutilation. There was generally no statistically significant difference between GP and pediatric trainees. A knowledge deficit among trainees was evident in relation to PAG from common to rare, but serious PAG conditions. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment could lead to increased morbidity for girls. We recommend the introduction of a standardized training program in PAG for trainees.
ISSN:1083-3188
1873-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2021.01.012