Publication
Title
Are recent graduates enough prepared to perform obstetric skills in their rural and compulsory year? A study from Ecuador
Author
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the possible mismatch of obstetrical skills between the training offered in Ecuadorian medical schools and the tasks required for compulsory rural service. Setting Primary care, rural health centres in Southern Ecuador. Participants A total of 92 recent graduated medical doctors during their compulsory rural year. Primary and secondary outcomes measures A web-based survey was developed with 21 obstetrical skills. The questionnaire was sent to all rural doctors who work in Loja province, Southern Ecuador, at the Ministry of Health (n=92). We measured two categories importance of skills in rural practice with a five-point Likert-type scale (1= strongly disagree; 5= strongly agree); and clerkship experience using a nominal scale divided in five levels: level 1 (not seen, not performed) to level 5 (performed 10 times or more). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) was used to observe associations. Results A negative correlation was found in the skills: episiotomy and repair, umbilical vein catheterisation, speculum examination, evaluation of cervical dilation during active labour, neonatal resuscitation and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. For instance Episiotomy and repair is important (strongly agree and agree) to 100% of respondents, but in practice, only 38.9% of rural doctors performed the task three times and 8.3% only once during the internship, similar pattern is seen in the others. Conclusions In this study we have noted the gap between the medical needs of populations in rural areas and training provided during the clerkship experiences of physicians during their rural service year. It is imperative to ensure that rural doctors are appropriately trained and skilled in the performance of routine obstetrical duties. This will help to decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality in rural Ecuador.
Language
English
Source (journal)
BMJ open. - London, 2011, currens
Publication
London : BMJ Group , 2014
ISSN
2044-6055
DOI
10.1136/BMJOPEN-2014-005759
Volume/pages
4 :7 (2014) , 6 p.
Article Reference
e005759
ISI
000339720900134
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Publication type
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Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
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Creation 12.08.2014
Last edited 09.10.2023
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