Effectiveness of Multimodal Obstetric Training for Intern Doctors

Abstract

Background: Medical students in Bangladesh must enroll in a one-year log book-based rotatory internship training program as a prerequisite for Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council registration. However, there is no assessment to determine whether the interns have actually acquired these skills upon completion of their training period.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal Obstetric training for competency enhancement of the intern doctors in the Obs & Gynae Department of a tertiary-level teaching hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods: Sixty fresh medical interns were included in this study during their 12-week placement in Obstetrics-Gynecology and allied subjects in Chittagong Medical College Hospital from January to June 2024 and randomly allocated into two equal groups: experimental and control. The experimental group received 3-days intensive preparatory training consisting of lectures, simulations, e-modules, and demonstrations on the conduction of expected vaginal delivery, episiotomy, counselling on breastfeeding, and catheterization. Interns in the control group completed their 12-week training without any preparatory training. A pretest and post-test evaluated participants before and after 8-week training.

Results: The groups' baseline demographic and academic characteristics and pretest knowledge scores were comparable. Overall, there was a 56.78% increase in total test scores in the experimental group compared to 21.52% in the control group (p<0.001). The interns were satisfied with the multimodal training, and most felt confident about performing the task independently. The majority of the participants in the experimental group agreed or strongly agreed that the pre-placement multimodal training course was a highly effective learning tool and would recommend the course to other interns.

Conclusion: Preparatory courses for Obs-Gynea interns can increase confidence and preparedness for internship training. Departments can take steps for organizing such course to assist their interns in providing skills they can practice before entering professional life.

CME J 2025; 4(1); 33-40