A sexuality curriculum for gynecology residents.

ABSTRACT

PIP A research project was conducted with the obstetrics and gynecology residents at University Hospitals of Cleveland in February 1976. The purpose was to provide residents with basic knowledge about female sexual problems, to assess the residents' skill and comfort in interviewing patients with sexual problems, to document the effects of supervision on interviewing skills, and to evolve a sexuality curriculum for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. 13 residents at various stages of training participated. The project's 5-1/2 hours were distributed over 2-1/2 weeks. 4 women were taught to respond as if they were patients with the following specific complaints failure to develop sexual responsiveness, loss of responsiveness due to anger, loss of libido due to depression, and frustration becuase of an impotent husband. The sequence of activities was 1) required reading of a 2-page protocol for assessing a sexual complaint; 2) completion of a preinterview questionnaire which assessed comfort and skill measured on a 5-point scale, immediately followed by a 20-minute videotaped interview with the 1st patient; 3) reading of an article on female sexual dysfunction; 4) attendance at a 2-hour lecture on female sexual dysfunction and interviewing techniques; and 5) conduct of a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th interview over a 2-week period. Each interview was followed by a 45-minute session with the supervisor to view and discuss the videotape. As a group the residents' interviewing abilities failed to improve by the end of the program, as measured by total percentage of programmed content elicited; method of obtaining information, that is, direct or indirect questions; and style ratings. Recommendations are made concerning the educational needs of residents in obstetrics and gynecology.^ieng