Lecture-Based and Hands-On Ergonomic Training for Junior Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents: A Quality Improvement Pilot Study

Objective Determine the efficacy, feasibility, and attitudes surrounding lecture-based and hands-on ergonomic training in junior obstetrics and gynecology residents. Methods A mixed-methods prospective pre-post study evaluating the efficacy of a new didactic lecture and one-on-one hands-on ergonomics workshop for junior residents. Paired sample t-test was used to compare pre- and post- survey scores. Posture was evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Results Of the nine participating residents, the average age was 27.33 years, 8/9 (88.9%) identified as cis-female, and 8/9 (88.9%) were in post-graduate year one. Zero (0%) and 4/9 (44.4%) reported exposure to any formal or informal ergonomics education in residency thus far, respectively. When comparing pre-and post-intervention survey data, residents identified improved knowledge of surgical ergonomics, increased awareness of available guidelines, improved perception of the importance of ergonomics training in residency, and stronger belief that time should be allocated to surgical ergonomics training in residency (p<0.001, p=0.020, p=0.034, and p=0.011, respectively). On average, RULA scores improved following intervention (4.00±0.71 vs 3.56±0.53, p=0.052), including 1 point improvement for the majority of participants (n=5/9, 55.6%), no change for three residents (33.3%), and only one subject with worsening posture (11.1%), these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions Lecture-based and hands-on ergonomic training was a feasible and acceptable strategy to improve posture, improve awareness and knowledge of surgical ergonomics, and change attitudes regarding the importance of surgical ergonomics education during residency. Future studies should expand ergonomics education to all residency years and review whether this formal curriculum confers long-lasting change in a learner’s ergonomics.