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Shortcomings of Resident Education Regarding Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Shortcomings of Resident Education Regarding Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Presenting Author(s)

Anna Trikhacheva, MD (she/her/hers)

Fellow
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Fairfax, Virginia, United States

Co-Author(s)

EW

Eva K. Welch, MD MS (she/her/hers)

Staff Urogynecologist
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, Texas, United States

Objectives: The RAND Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology study reported approximately 6.5%, or 8 million women, across the United States fit diagnostic criteria for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Despite its growing prevalence and economic burden, estimated at $750 million in 2000, it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, with its pathophysiology still largely unknown. A knowledge gap in resident education regarding diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome may further contribute to this problem.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with pre- and post- design. Gynecologic surgery-obstetrics and urology residents at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center were eligible to participate. Participants completed questionnaires assessing knowledge and comfort level in evaluating and treating interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. An educational PowerPoint-based presentation was given followed by repeat questionnaires.

Results: 15 participants completed the study. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that test scores across both specialties were significantly improved post-intervention (median 7) compared to pre-intervention (median 6, z=-2.09, p=.04, with large effect size r=.60). Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that comfort scores across both specialties were significantly improved post-intervention (median 8) compared to pre-intervention (median 4, z=-2.83, p=.054, with large effect size r=.94).

Conclusions: Despite interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome being a familiar condition encountered in gynecologic surgery-obstetrics and urology, we demonstrate a knowledge gap in resident education with low comfort levels managing this patient population. A brief educational intervention significantly improved resident knowledge and comfort level. Incorporation of additional educational curricula within resident education is necessary to appropriately manage and optimize care for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.