Virtual obstetrics and gynecology fellowship interviews during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: a survey study

Abstract Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews were held virtually for the 2020 fellowship match cycle. The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with virtual Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews and evaluate its effectiveness in assessing candidates. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey study that included all interviewing attending physicians and fellows from five Obstetrics and Gynecology subspecialties at a single academic institution following the 2020–2021 fellowship interview season. The survey consisted of 19 questions aimed to evaluate each subspecialty’s virtual interview process, including its feasibility and performance in evaluating applicants. The primary outcome was the subjective utility of virtual interviews. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of responses from fellows and attending physicians. Results Thirty-six attendings and fellows completed the survey (36/53, 68% response rate). Interviewers felt applicants were able to convey themselves adequately during the virtual interview (92%) and the majority (70%) agreed that virtual interviews should be offered in future years. Attending physicians were more likely than fellows to state that the virtual interview process adequately assessed the candidates (Likert Scale Mean: 4.4 vs. 3.8, respectively, p = 0.02). Respondents highlighted decreased cost, time saved, and increased flexibility as benefits to the virtual interview process. Conclusion The use of virtual interviews provides a favorable method for conducting fellowship interviews and should be considered for use in future application cycles. Most respondents were satisfied with the virtual interview process and found they were an effective tool for evaluating applicants.

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Triggers of defensive medical behaviours: a cross-sectional study among physicians in the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025108 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e025108 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Erik Renkema ◽

Kees Ahaus ◽

Manda Broekhuis ◽

Maria Tims

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Response Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Avoidance Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Blame ◽

Prescribe Medicine ◽

Risk Patients ◽

Defensive Behaviours

ObjectivesThis study investigated whether the attitudes of physicians towards justified and unjustified litigation, and their perception of patient pressure in demanding care, influence their use of defensive medical behaviours.DesignCross-sectional survey using exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine litigation attitude and perceived patient pressure factors. Regression analyses were used to regress these factors on to the ordering of extra tests or procedures (defensive assurance behaviour) or the avoidance of high-risk patients or procedures (defensive avoidance behaviour).SettingData were collected from eight Dutch hospitals.ParticipantsRespondents were 160 physicians and 54 residents (response rate 25%) of the hospital departments of (1) anaesthesiology, (2) colon, stomach and liver diseases, (3) gynaecology, (4) internal medicine, (5) neurology and (6) surgery.Primary outcome measuresRespondents’ application of defensive assurance and avoidance behaviours.Results‘Disapproval of justified litigation’ and ‘Concerns about unjustified litigation’ were positively related to both assurance (β=0.21, p<0.01, and β=0.28, p<0.001, respectively) and avoidance (β=0.16, p<0.05, and β=0.18, p<0.05, respectively) behaviours. ‘Self-blame for justified litigation’ was not significantly related to both defensive behaviours. Perceived patient pressures to refer (β=0.18, p<0.05) and to prescribe medicine (β=0.23, p<0.01) had direct positive relationships with assurance behaviour, whereas perceived patient pressure to prescribe medicine was also positively related to avoidance behaviour (β=0.14, p<0.05). No difference was found between physicians and residents in their defensive medical behaviour.ConclusionsPhysicians adopted more defensive medical behaviours if they had stronger thoughts and emotions towards (un)justified litigation. Further, physicians should be aware that perceived patient pressure for care can lead to them adopting defensive behaviours that negatively affects the quality and safety of patient care.

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Investigation of work–life integration on burnout symptoms in women physician runners: a cross-sectional survey study

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2020-001028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. e001028

Author(s):

Hannah Uhlig-Reche ◽

Allison R Larson ◽

Julie K Silver ◽

Adam Tenforde ◽

Alisa McQueen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Work Life ◽

Women Physicians ◽

Survey Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

The Usa ◽

Attending Physicians

ObjectiveTo investigate which factors, from demographics to work–life integration, are associated with burnout symptoms among self-declared active women physicians practising in the USA.MethodsCross-sectional study of those actively engaged in a social media group for women physician runners. Electronically surveyed using 60 questions covering demographics, compensation, debt and domestic responsibilities with burnout assessed by the Mini-Z Burnout Survey.ResultsOf the 369 women meeting inclusion criteria as attending physicians practising in the USA, the majority reported being White (74.5%) and at least 6 years out from training (85.9%). There was a significant association of increased burnout level with working more hours per week and being responsible for a greater percentage of domestic duties (p<0.0001 and p=0.003, respectively). Both factors remained significant in a multivariable model (p<0.0001).ConclusionBy exploring burnout in the physically active, we are better able to investigate contributors to burnout despite healthy exercise habits. Increased burnout was significantly associated with greater domestic responsibility and hours working. These findings in women physician runners suggest that exercise alone may not control burnout. Poor work–life integration deserves attention as a burnout contributor in women physicians, potentially serving as a target for burnout prevention strategies.

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Participation in Virtual Urology Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/24369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. e24369

Author(s):

Menghua Wang ◽

Banghua Liao ◽

Zhongyu Jian ◽

Xi Jin ◽

Liyuan Xiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Survey Study ◽

The Internet ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Item Questionnaire ◽

Video And Audio ◽

Academic Conferences ◽

At Home

Background Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional face-to-face academic conferences have been restricted, and many of these conferences have moved onto the internet. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the virtual conferences in the field of urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide suggestions for better organization of such conferences. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 30 to June 15, 2020, in China. Our team designed a 23-item questionnaire to investigate the conferences attended by urologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation) was applied to analyze the data collected. Results A total of 330 Chinese urologists participated in our survey, and the response rate was 89.7% (330/368). Among the participants, 40.9% (135/330) were associate chief physicians. The proportion of participants who took part in conventional face-to-face academic conferences decreased from 92.7% (306/330) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 22.1% (73/330) during the pandemic (P<.001). In contrast, the proportion of urologists who took part in virtual conferences increased from 69.4% (229/330) to 90% (297/330) (P<.001). Most urologists (70.7%, 210/297) chose to participate in the virtual conferences at home and thought that a meeting length of 1-2 hours was most appropriate. Among the urologists, 73.7% (219/297) reported that their participation in the virtual conferences went smoothly, while the remaining respondents reported that they had experienced lags in video and audio streaming during the virtual conferences. When comparing conventional face-to-face conferences with virtual conferences, 70.7% (210/297) of the respondents thought that both conference formats were acceptable, while 17.9% (53/297) preferred virtual conferences and 11.5% (34/297) preferred conventional face-to-face meetings. Conclusions Virtual conferences are increasing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many aspects of these conferences could be improved for better organization.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology resident perception of virtual fellowship interviews

10.21203/rs.3.rs-427063/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jia Jennifer Ding ◽

Phinnara Has ◽

B. Star Hampton ◽

Dayna Burrell

Keyword(s):

Cost Savings ◽

Survey Study ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Interview Process ◽

Rank List ◽

Travel Restrictions ◽

Virtual Process

Abstract Background: Travel restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped interviewing for fellowships into a predominantly virtual process. How this impacts Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) resident approaches to fellowship application and Match navigation is largely unknown.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey study of fourth year OB/GYN residents who participated in at least one virtual fellowship interview in 2020. We collected information regarding demographics, application strategy, perceived strengths and weaknesses of virtual interviews, and confidence with rank list creation. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables and responses pre- and post- match were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: 75 out of an estimated 490 applicants (~15% response rate) completed the survey. 65.3% felt they interviewed at more programs virtually than they would anticipate completing in person, but perceived less confidence in having the necessary information (n=45, 60%) or understanding the culture of programs (n=59, 78.7%) to create a rank list. Cost savings were the main benefit of virtual interviews (n=50, 66.7%), and inability to get a true “feel” for a program was the biggest limitation (n=43, 57.3%). A majority (46.7%) advocate for a future hybrid interview process. Conclusions: OB/GYN residents pursuing fellowship reported interviewing at more programs during the virtual season, but had less confidence with rank list creation. Cost savings benefits are weighed against difficulty getting a “feel” for programs virtually. Most would advocate for a future hybrid interview process.

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Variations in Strategies to Prevent Ventriculostomy-Related Infections

The Neurohospitalist ◽

10.1177/1941874416663281 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ariane Lewis ◽

Barry M. Czeisler ◽

Aaron S. Lord

Keyword(s):

Infection Prevention ◽

Neurocritical Care ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Response Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Similar Frequency ◽

And Performance ◽

Systemic Antibiotics ◽

The Ideal

Background and Purpose: The ideal strategy to prevent infections in patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs) is unclear. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of members of the Neurocritical Care Society on infection prevention practices for patients with EVDs between April and July 2015. Results: The survey was completed by 52 individuals (5% response rate). Catheter selection, use of prolonged prophylactic systemic antibiotics (PPSAs), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection policies, location of EVD placement, and performance of routine EVD exchanges varied. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) and conventional catheters (CCs) were used with similar frequency, but no respondents reported routine use of silver-impregnated catheters (SICs). The majority of respondents were either neutral or disagreed with the need for PPSA with all catheter types (CC: 75%, AIC: 85%, and SIC: 87%). Despite this, 55% of the respondents reported PPSAs were routinely administered to patients with EVDs at their institutions. The majority (80%) of the respondents reported CSF collection only on an as-needed basis. The EVD placement was restricted to the operating room at 27% of the respondents’ institutions. Only 2 respondents (4%) reported that routine EVD exchanges were performed at their institution. Conclusion: Practice patterns demonstrate that institutions use varying strategies to prevent ventriculostomy-related infections. Identification and further study of optimum care for these patients are essential to decrease the risk of complications and to aid development of practice standards.

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Differences in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation after stroke; a comparison between Brazilian and Dutch healthcare professionals

10.21203/rs.2.14597/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Berber Brouns ◽

Leti van Bodegom-Vos ◽

Arend J. de Kloet ◽

Thea P.M. Vliet Vlieland ◽

Ingrid L.C. Gil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Response Rate ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Implementation Strategies ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Tailored Implementation

Abstract Introduction: To improve the use of eRehabilitation after stroke, the identification of barriers and facilitators influencing this use in different healthcare contexts around the world is needed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate differences and similarities in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation after stroke among Brazilian Healthcare Professionals (BHP) and Dutch Healthcare Professionals (DHP). Method: A cross-sectional survey study including 88 statements about factors related to the use of eRehabilitation (4-point Likert scale; 1-4; unimportant-important/disagree-agree). The survey was conducted among BHP and DHP (physical therapists, rehabilitating physicians and psychologists). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse differences and similarities in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation. Results: ninety-nine (response rate 27%) BHP and 105 (response rate 37%) DHP participated. Differences were found in the top-10 most influencing statements between BHP and DHP; top-10 least influencing statements were mostly similar. Discussion: The results indicate that the use of eRehabilitation after stroke by BHP and DHP is influenced by different factors. A tailored implementation strategy for both countries needs to be developed; BHP were most influenced by support from the organization and the potential benefits of the use of eRehabilitation, DHP by the feasibility of the use of eRehabilitation for the patient. Statements with low influence like problems caused by patient characteristics or problems with resources, were comparable for both groups and should have less priority in the implementation strategies.

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A Cross-Sectional Survey Study among Hand Surgeons in the United States on Standardizing Microsurgery Training

Journal of Hand and Microsurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1669365 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (01) ◽

pp. 035-044 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Raman Mehrzad ◽

Adnan Prsic ◽

Marten Basta ◽

Reena Bhatt

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Hand Surgery ◽

The United States ◽

Survey Study ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Operative Techniques ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Training Systems ◽

American Society

AbstractAlthough microsurgery plays a more expansive role in hand surgery, microsurgery training systems may not have followed the same evolution, as have other operative techniques. A cross-sectional survey study with 13 multiple choice questions was administered to the members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand; 503 out of 3,395 responded to the survey (14.8% response rate), and 58% did not have a microsurgical laboratory in their institution, whereas 42% did. Of the institutions that had a microsurgical laboratory, 32.4% also had a microsurgical rat laboratory. Of all respondents, 78% agreed or strongly agreed that their training program should have microsurgery training outside of the operating room, and 53% agreed or strongly agreed that their curriculum needed improvement; 65.6% agreed or strongly agreed that training should be standardized across the nation. Our results indicate that the training needs standardization and that institutional training curriculum needs to be improved. This is a Level III study.

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Differences in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation after stroke; a cross-sectional comparison between Brazilian and Dutch healthcare professionals

10.21203/rs.2.14597/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Berber Brouns ◽

Leti van Bodegom-Vos ◽

Arend J. de Kloet ◽

Thea P.M. Vliet Vlieland ◽

Ingrid L.C. Gil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Response Rate ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Rehabilitation Centre ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Tailored Implementation ◽

Cognitive Problems

Abstract Introduction : To improve the use of eRehabilitation after stroke, the identification of barriers and facilitators influencing this use in different healthcare contexts around the world is needed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate differences and similarities in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation after stroke among Brazilian Healthcare Professionals (BHP) and Dutch Healthcare Professionals (DHP). Method : A cross-sectional survey study including 88 statements about factors related to the use of eRehabilitation (4-point Likert scale; 1-4; unimportant-important/disagree-agree). The survey was conducted among BHP and DHP (physical therapists, rehabilitating physicians and psychologists). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse differences and similarities in factors influencing the use of eRehabilitation. Results : ninety-nine (response rate 30%) BHP and 105 (response rate 37%) DHP participated. Differences were found in the top-10 most influencing statements between BHP and DHP BHP rated the following factors as most important: sufficient support from the organisation (e.g. the rehabilitation centre) concerning resources and time, and potential benefits of the use of eRehabilitation for the patient. DHP rated the feasibility of the use of eRehabilitation for the patient (e.g. a helpdesk and good instructions) as most important for effective uptake. Top-10 least important statements were mostly similar; both BHP and DHP rated problems caused by stroke (e.g. aphasia or cognitive problems) or problems with resources (e.g. hardware and software) as least important for the uptake of eRehabilitation. Conclusion : The results indicate that the use of eRehabilitation after stroke by BHP and DHP is influenced by different factors. A tailored implementation strategy for both countries needs to be developed.

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Participation in Virtual Urology Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24369 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Menghua Wang ◽

Banghua Liao ◽

Zhongyu Jian ◽

Xi Jin ◽

Liyuan Xiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Survey Study ◽

The Internet ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Item Questionnaire ◽

Video And Audio ◽

Academic Conferences ◽

At Home

BACKGROUND Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional face-to-face academic conferences have been restricted, and many of these conferences have moved onto the internet. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the virtual conferences in the field of urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide suggestions for better organization of such conferences. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 30 to June 15, 2020, in China. Our team designed a 23-item questionnaire to investigate the conferences attended by urologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation) was applied to analyze the data collected. RESULTS A total of 330 Chinese urologists participated in our survey, and the response rate was 89.7% (330/368). Among the participants, 40.9% (135/330) were associate chief physicians. The proportion of participants who took part in conventional face-to-face academic conferences decreased from 92.7% (306/330) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 22.1% (73/330) during the pandemic (<i>P</i><.001). In contrast, the proportion of urologists who took part in virtual conferences increased from 69.4% (229/330) to 90% (297/330) (<i>P</i><.001). Most urologists (70.7%, 210/297) chose to participate in the virtual conferences at home and thought that a meeting length of 1-2 hours was most appropriate. Among the urologists, 73.7% (219/297) reported that their participation in the virtual conferences went smoothly, while the remaining respondents reported that they had experienced lags in video and audio streaming during the virtual conferences. When comparing conventional face-to-face conferences with virtual conferences, 70.7% (210/297) of the respondents thought that both conference formats were acceptable, while 17.9% (53/297) preferred virtual conferences and 11.5% (34/297) preferred conventional face-to-face meetings. CONCLUSIONS Virtual conferences are increasing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many aspects of these conferences could be improved for better organization.

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