Assessment of an oocyte retrieval simulation training program for residents: From training to clinical practice

Objective: To assess the impact of an oocyte retrieval simulation training program (ORSTP) on the clinical performance of residents.

Methods: We performed a prospective comparative study. The Simulation (S) group included oocyte retrieval (OR) performed by residents who had undergone an ORSTP before performing them on patients (n = 422 OR), and the control (C) group included OR performed by residents who had not received prior simulation training (n = 329 OR). Our main outcome measure was the OR rate (ORR) (number of oocytes collected/number of follicles aspirated) during the first 3 months of the rotation.

Results: In the S group, six residents aspirated 657 ovaries, while in the C group, five residents aspirated 508 ovaries. The mean ORR during the first 3 months of rotation were comparable between the S and C groups (59% vs. 58%, P = 0.68). ORR during the first and second month, and at the end of the rotation were also comparable between the S and C groups (54% vs. 63% [P = 0.13], 58% vs. 59% [P = 0.82], and 58% vs. 58% [P = 0.90], respectively). There was no significant difference in the rate of failed OR (ORR = 0%) (3.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.13) between the S and C groups. Finally, 16% of residents in the S group reported being stressed before their first OR compared to 40% in the C group (P = 0.85), and 83% of residents in the S group felt confident about the results of their retrievals compared to 20% in the C group (P = 0.13).

Conclusion: The ORSTP does not improve the residents' clinical performance, but it could decrease their stress and improve their confidence in clinical practice.