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Is there a need for guidelines for OB/GYN residents to use the laser?
Author(s) -
Olivar August C.,
Simon Helene
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1900160111
Subject(s) - credentialing , medicine , laser , carbon dioxide laser , medical education , family medicine , laser surgery , optics , physics
Background and Objective : With the developing technologies and the extensive use of different wavelength lasers for treatment of some gynecologic conditions, many residencies in the United States face pressure to give credentialing to residents wishing to utilize the laser(s). The objective of this study was to assess the need for credentialing. Study Design/Materials and Methods : A survey was sent to all U.S. program directors of obstetrics and gynecology. Results : Of 281 surveys mailed, 138 responded (49.1%); 136 utilized some wavelength laser in the treatment of some gynecologic conditions. The most commonly used laser was the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and the least used was the argon laser. Eighty‐four programs (61.8%) had a written policy; 54 (38.2%) did not. Postgraduate courses were necessary in 81 programs (59.6%), leading to some form of credentialing. Conclusions : The vast majority of programs (98.6%) utilized some wavelength laser as a therapeutic modality in gynecology, and 73.5% of the residency programs would like standardized guidelines for residents. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.