Self-reported changes in comfort level with basic OB/GYN procedures after deployment

Objective: To assess the specialty-specific procedures and clinical encounters U.S. Army obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) providers felt were affected by deployment and identify skills and areas that may benefit from postdeployment training. Methods: Active duty Army OB/GYN physicians were invited to participate in an anonymous web-based survey to rate their comfort level and experience performing specialty-specific procedures before and after military deployment. Physicians rated their comfort level on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very uncomfortable to 5 = completely comfortable). Statistical analysis included Pearson χ²and McNemar’s χ²with a p value of <0.05 considered significant. Results: Of the 100 physicians eligible to complete the survey, 66 responded (response rate = 66%). Their responses demonstrated a statistically significant perception of decline in their comfort level with nearly every obstetric and gynecologic procedure and clinical encounter evaluated. Conclusion: Time away from regular clinical practice during deployment results in providers feeling less comfortable with many common OB/GYN procedures and clinical situations. Although these results are not a measure of actual performance, this information helps define targets to focus refresher training for providers who leave their normal scope of practice for deployment. These findings apply to civilian providers leaving practice for other reasons as well.