Training in obstetric anal sphincter injuries in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists trainees

Background Training in obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in Australia and New Zealand relies upon consultant teaching and has not previously been assessed. Aims The aims of this study are to establish if training in OASIS is consistent and optimal in Australia and New Zealand and to evaluate trainee perspectives on supervision and teaching, along with confidence in repairing OASIS. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists trainees were sent a 21-question survey. The survey was distributed to 725 trainees, and 132 trainees provided complete responses (18.2%). The main outcome measures were (i) comparison of confidence in performing a caesarean section versus OASIS repair and (ii) descriptive analysis of views towards training and suggestions for improvement. Results Trainees were significantly more confident in performing a caesarean section independently compared to OASIS repair (P < 0.05). This was the case for all year groups. Confidence increased with each year of training. Only 62% reported credentialing at their site. Whereas 50% reported training at the time of first unsupervised repair as good or excellent, 22.7% felt it was suboptimal and 2.3% unsatisfactory; 75.8% had attended a workshop; 38.6% requested mandatory workshops. Requests included that workshops be yearly, include video training and be required at consultant level. Trainees asked for supervision despite credentialing and for separate credentialing for 3A/B- and 3C/4th-degree tears. Conclusions Trainees have increasing confidence in their ability to independently perform OASIS repairs throughout training. They requested that improvements be made to training and that there be an increase in structured teaching.

Automated summary

This study found variations in training for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in Australia and New Zealand, with trainees gaining increasing confidence in independently repairing OASIS throughout their training. Trainees requested improvements be made to training through an increase in structured teaching.