A Vasectomy Training Curriculum for Ob/Gyn Residents [6O]. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gorrindo, Phillip; Guo, Xiaoyue; Fay, Kathryn; Chang, Katherine; Hall, Evelyn; Hammond, Cassing
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 131(2018)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000533142.99857.bb
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Vasectomy is a safe and effective form of contraception. However, sterilization rates are up to three times higher in women than in men. One barrier to increased use of vasectomy is the availability of trained providers. Unfortunately, vasectomy has traditionally been excluded from the skill set of Ob/Gyns. METHODS: We surveyed our Ob/Gyn residents to gauge interest in a vasectomy curriculum (VC). We identified stakeholders involved in developing a VC, including Ob/Gyn residency leadership, Urology and Family Planning faculty, Graduate Medical Education leadership, and representatives from our institution's legal department. In a multidisciplinary team, we developed a VC that leveraged the expertise of Urology faculty and will soon be offered to Ob/Gyn housestaff at our institution. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of 48 (84%) residents responded to the survey and 58% agreed that they would like to provide vasectomies. Our multidisciplinary team discussed issues related to developing a VC, including: medicolegal, credentialing, and privileging questions, potential competition between Urology and Ob/Gyn, and ethical implications of Ob/Gyns providing vasectomies. We then developed a VC built on Urology housestaff training. We will soon offer this VC to Ob/Gyn residents, with an option to perform vasectomies in Urology clinic. CONCLUSION: There is substantial interest among our Ob/Gyn residents to gain vasectomy experience. Barriers to training Ob/Gyns to perform vasectomies are not insurmountable. We suggest that there is an compelling ethical argument for Ob/Gyns to be able to provide vasectomies. Finally, our VC may serve as the foundation for other institutions to begin building their own VC for Ob/Gyn housestaff.