INTRODUCTION:
Little is known about OB-GYN residents’ habits or preferences with regard to self-education. We investigated current resident learning behaviors and preferences, as well as attitudes towards podcasting as an educational tool.
METHODS:
A 28 question survey was generated to query resident self-education generally and genetics education specifically. An invitation to complete the online survey was sent to all ACGME Program Directors, asking them to forward the survey to their residents. Data was collected and analyzed using Qualtrics Software.
RESULTS:
195 residents from 51/292 (17.5%) programs participated in the study. Average age was 28.9 years (SD 2.3 years), 85% were female, 13% were male. Half of residents (51%) reported spending between three and five hours a week on self-directed learning activities, excluding lectures, with 31% spending even less time, between zero and two hours. Residents reported they most commonly used UptoDate (129, 66%), Google (121, 62%), and Guidelines/Practice Bulletins (100, 43%) for learning. Guidelines and Practice Bulletins were considered very helpful for learning by 86% (167/195) followed by UpToDate (151, 77%). Only 35% (70) found textbooks helpful. A majority of residents reported they would be very likely to complete residency curriculum podcasts lasting 10 minutes (78%) or 20 minutes (63%). Residents would listen to podcasts while commuting to work (142, 78%), doing household chores (104, 53%), or exercising (50%).
CONCLUSION:
Residents spend five hours or less on self-education per week, and prefer concise, easily accessible learning modalities. Podcasts may be a useful educational tool for the modern OB-GYN resident.
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