Survey of Canadian PGY-4 and PGY-5 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents on Knowledge of and Exposure to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Abstract Objectives (1) To determine exposure to and general knowledge on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) among Canadian senior obstetrics and gynaecology residents. (2) To identify opportunity to improve trainee exposure to POI. Methods Canadian PGY-4 and PGY-5 obstetrics and gynaecology residents were approached to complete an electronic survey. The questions in the survey included the basic POI knowledge, previous exposure to POI, and comfort level in managing POI patients. Data from the survey was summarized descriptively and compared between two trainee groups (PGY-4 and PGY-5) using chi-square or Fisher exact tests. Results Responses were received from trainees in all Canadian residency programs with an overall response rate of 45% (95/210 residents). Most respondents (79%, 75/95 residents) identified correct age for POI diagnosis, and 65% (62/95 residents) recognized the most common aetiology. A majority (99%, 92/93 residents) would prescribe hormone therapy for POI patients. Most trainees (62%, 59/95 residents) lack access to a POI clinic at their centre and 63% (59/94 residents) have seen less than six POI patients during residency training. Most feel somewhat comfortable managing POI patients (67%, 64/95 residents), but 22% (21/95 residents) feel totally uncomfortable with a majority of respondents (83%, 78/94 residents), indicating they would benefit from additional training. Compared with PGY-4 residents, the proportion of trainees who could identify the correct age for diagnosis of POI was significantly higher in PGY-5 residents (89% vs. 70%, P  = 0.024). Conclusion Many senior obstetrics and gynaecology residents in Canada lack knowledge around POI, and most indicate need for further exposure to POI during residency training. We identified an opportunity for improved POI curricula.