E-Posters-The Impact of an Informed Consent Curriculum on Trainees in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

The Impact of an Informed Consent Curriculum on Trainees in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery - Wai Lee

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This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a one-day informed consent course on urology residents and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) fellows. The course included a didactic lecture on surgical informed consent principles and a simulation station for trainees to practice mock surgical consents. Pre- and post-course assessments were conducted to measure the trainees' self-reported confidence and knowledge of informed surgical consent.<br /><br />Thirteen urology residents and FPMRS fellows from 5 regional academic programs attended the course. Attendees reported significant improvement in their understanding, confidence, and knowledge of the 5 fundamental principles of informed consent. They also showed increased confidence in performing surgical consents for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) procedures.<br /><br />The study highlights the importance of informed consent in surgical training and the lack of formal curriculum and opportunities for trainees to receive feedback in this area. The findings suggest that a formal didactic lecture followed by an interactive simulation station can be an effective addition to training programs.<br /><br />The five fundamental principles of informed consent for surgery, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons, include the nature of the illness and consequences of no treatment, the nature of the proposed operation and associated risks, common complications, alternative forms of treatment, and the involvement of different medical providers.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive impact of an informed consent curriculum on urology residents and FPMRS fellows, improving their understanding, confidence, and knowledge of informed surgical consent principles. Implementing such a curriculum may enhance training programs in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Keywords

informed consent course

urology residents

FPMRS fellows

mock surgical consents

pre-course assessment

post-course assessment

self-reported confidence

knowledge of informed surgical consent

stress urinary incontinence

pelvic organ prolapse procedures