Pre-COVID and COVID experience of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as a learning tool for post-graduate residents in Obstetrics & Gynecology - a quality improvement study.

Objective: Due to its comprehensive, reliable, and valid format, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is the gold standard for assessing the clinical competency of medical students. In the present study, we evaluated the importance of the OSCE as a learning tool for postgraduate (PG) residents assessing their junior undergraduate students. We further aimed to analyze quality improvement during the pre-coronavirus disease (COVID) and COVID periods. Methods: This quality-improvement interventional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The PG residents were trained to conduct the OSCE. A formal feedback form was distributed to 22 participants, and their responses were analyzed using a five-point Likert scale. Fishbone analysis was performed, and the 'plan-do-study-act' (PDSA) cycle was implemented to improve the OSCE. Results: Most of the residents (95%) believed that this examination system was extremely fair and covered a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge. Further, 4.5% believed it was more labor- and resource intensive and time-consuming. Eighteen (81.8%) residents stated that they had learned all three domains: communication skills, time management skills, and a stepwise approach to clinical scenarios. The PDSA cycle was run eight times, resulting in a dramatic improvement (from 30% to 70%) in the knowledge and clinical skills of PGs and the standard of OSCE. Conclusion: The OSCE can be used as a learning tool for young assessors who are receptive to novel tools. The involvement of PGs in the OSCE improved their communication skills and helped overcome human resource limitations while manning various OSCE stations.

Awareness and understanding of COVID-19 among pregnant woman in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a public health concern worldwide. It is important for pregnant women to know about the mode of transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures against COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and outlook of pregnant women and practical measures taken by them against COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted for 1 month (June 10, 2020- July 10, 2020) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to 109 pregnant women to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice acquired against COVID-19 infection. The Chi-square test or Fischer's exact test was used to compare categorical data. RESULTS: Among 109 participants, 103 (94.5%) had good knowledge, 4 (3.7%) had average knowledge and 2 (1.8%) had poor knowledge about COVID-19. Majority of them had a positive attitude for the protective measures taken for the prevention of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Since there is no valid treatment for COVID-19, prevention is the only key to curve this infection. In the present study, 94.5% pregnant women had overall good knowledge score about the mode of transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures against COVID-19.

'How COVID 19 imposed a new normal outlook in reproductive health care of patients, research, teaching and assessment'- Perspective of a Gynecologist.

With the frequently changing guidelines on Pregnancy care, management of obstetric patients remains a major challenge during COVID-19 Pandemic. The department of Obstetrics and Gynecology had a huge responsibility to provide respectable maternity care to all women irrespective of their virologic status and at the same time protect the frontline warriors dealing with patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to share our perspective regarding the challenges faced and the solutions sought for, in both patient care and teaching and research.

Role of birth companion in COVID-19: indispensable for her and an auxiliary hand for us.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has proved to be a global catastrophe. Pregnant females could be more vulnerable to the infection owing to the immune modulation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant females including those with COVID-19 suspicion or confirmed status have right to 'safe and positive childbirth experience' which includes a companion. The birth companion, is present at all times with the patient, from the initiation of labor till breastfeeding. The COVID-19 crisis has taken its toll on the healthcare system. The number of infected antenatal females are expected to increase. If a birth companion is trained in basic intrapartum and postpartum observation and care, he/she can be utilised to minimize unnecessary patient-clinician interface and optimize manpower in this critical time.