PD29-04 THE QUALITY OF CARE PROVIDED TO WOMEN WITH PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE: AN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess patient willingness to allow hands-on training from the surgeon of record to supplement the current “observership” model when learning new techniques. METHODS: After receiving IRB approval, a survey was administered by neutral third parties to patients in 2 separate outpatient settings. Exclusion criteria included a sub-6th grade reading level, nonEnglish speakers, and pregnancy. Demographic data included age, gender, and race. The survey had three components: the REALM-SF, STAI-X2, and a specifically designed Observer Questionnaire (OQ) with free space for comments. The OQ included two questions of interest (Table 1). RESULTS: 99 patients at Location I and 100 patients at Location II met inclusion criteria. 91.9% of patients at Location I and 82% at Location II would consent to hands-on training. In regards to current methods of training, responses were: 61% cadaver lab (A), 63% training video/reading material (B), 62% observation without direct contact (C), and 73% observation with direct trainee contact (D). Age (p1⁄4.41) and gender (p1⁄4.42) did not significantly affect response, nor did an occupational background in health care (p1⁄4.55, surveyed in Location II only). Scores on REALM-SF and STAI-X2 also did not significantly affect responses at either location. The majority of explanations for declining hands-on contact cited unease due to history of past surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing the current “observership” model utilizing “on the job” training can be acceptable to the majority of patients given strict boundaries including informed patient consent, the surgeon of record remaining fully in charge, and the surgeon trainee having tested credentials.