The Level of Anatomical Knowledge, Hard to Establish: a Systematic Narrative Review.

Objective: This literature review aimed to gain more insight into the level of anatomical knowledge based on published measurements among medical students, residents, fellows, and specialists. Methods: We performed an extensive literature search in three online databases: Medline (using PubMed), Web of Science, and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC). Results: A total of 30 relevant studies were found. In these studies, participants took different anatomy tests, and their mean/median scaled scores range from 22.5 to 82.4% on a 0 to 100% scale. Conclusion: This review provides an overview of what is known about measured anatomical knowledge. After critically reviewing the literature, we have to conclude that the existing literature confirms that anatomical knowledge is hard to establish, mainly due to the lack of standardisation.Further research should focus on ways to define and assess 'desired anatomical knowledge' in different contexts. In a next phase, we can discuss if anatomical knowledge is lacking and if interventions are needed.

Anatomy (knowledge) in postgraduate obstetrics and gynaecology training: Is it sufficient enough?

BACKGROUND: Due to the importance, anatomy training is worldwide recognizable in virtually all undergraduate curricula and many postgraduate surgical curricula (Estai and Bunt, 2016; Older, 2004). The postgraduate curriculum of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) is such a surgical curriculum. It is a diverse branch of medicine and the role of anatomy in O&G is versatile. In the Netherlands nor in Europe the expectations of knowledge on anatomy are specified in the current training program, making trainees insecure about their performance in anatomy knowledge ("Better Education for Obsetrics and Gynaecology,"). Therefore, we recently performed a Delphi study to determine which anatomical structures should be taught to ensure safe and competent practice among general gynaecologists (Koppes et al., 2020). The aim of this study is the determination of the anatomical knowledge level in postgraduate training for O&G. Our hypothesis is that the trainees possess a good knowledge of anatomy and on average at least 80% of correct answers on core knowledge is shown. METHODS: A longitudinal knowledge analysis was performed under Dutch Trainees Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The anatomy questions of the annual progress tests from 2010 to 2019 were analysed. Anatomy questions were selected and assessed on relevance based on the previous performed Delphi study which identified 86 structures which are essential to perform safe and competent practice as a general gynaecologist. Scores on relevant anatomy questions were calculated. RESULTS: In 10-year 3136 trainees performed the annual progress test. 54 Anatomy related questions were asked on a total of 1637 questions (3.3%). Of these 54 questions, 38 (70%) were concerned as relevant questions. Overall 10-year score was 64.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy knowledge of trainees' Obstetrics and Gynaecology is insufficient. Our results are a step in the awareness of testing and improving anatomy knowledge of postgraduate O&G training.

Endometrial cancer survivors are unsatisfied with received information about diagnosis, treatment and follow-up: a study from the population-based PROFILES registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perceived level of and satisfaction with information received by endometrial cancer survivors, and to identify associations with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer between 1998 and 2007, registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, received a questionnaire including EORTC-QLQ-INFO25. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent responded (n=742). Most patients indicated receiving quite a bit information about their disease and medical tests. However, most patients were not (54%) or a little (24%) informed about the cause of their disease, and possible side effects (36%; 27%). Especially information about additional help, rehabilitation, psychological assistance, and expected results on social and sexual life was lacking. Five percent was not or a little (36%) satisfied. Four percent found the information not or a little (35%) helpful. Fifteen percent preferred more information. Younger age, more recent diagnosis, radiotherapy, absence of comorbidities, having a partner, having received written information, and higher educational level were associated with higher perceived information receipt. CONCLUSION: Many endometrial cancer survivors are unsatisfied with received information. Several areas of information provision are experienced as insufficient. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: More patient-tailored information is probably needed to provide optimal information. Implementation of Survivorship Care Plans might be a way to achieve this.