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Objective: European harmonisation of training standards in postgraduate medical education in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is needed because of the increasing mobility of medical specialists. Harmonisation of training will provide quality assurance of training and promote high quality care throughout Europe. Pan-European training standards should describe medical expertise outcomes that are required from the European gynaecologist. This paper reports on consensus development on the medical expertise outcomes of pan-European training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.Study Design: A Delphi procedure was performed amongst European gynaecologists and trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, to develop consensus on outcomes of training. The consensus procedure consisted of two questionnaire rounds, followed by a consensus meeting. To ensure reasonability and feasibility for implementation of the training standards in Europe, implications of the outcomes were considered in a working group thereafter. We invited 142 gynaecologists and trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology for participation representing a wide range of European countries. They were selected through the European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.Results: Sixty people participated in round 1 and 2 of the consensus procedure, 38 (63.3%) of whom were gynaecologists and 22 (36.7%) were trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Twenty-eight European countries were represented in this response. Round 3 of the consensus procedure was performed in a consensus meeting with six experts. Implications of the training outcomes were discussed in a working group meeting, to ensure reasonability and feasibility of the material for implementation in Europe. The entire consensus procedure resulted in a core content of training standards of 188 outcomes, categorised in ten topics.Conclusion: European consensus was developed regarding the medical expertise outcomes of pan-European training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The outcomes will be described in core trainings standards, aimed at harmonising training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Europe to promote high quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study conducted by the authors related to perspectives of trainees on part-time obstetrics and gynecology specialist training in search of work/life balance. A survey was sent through e-mail to all Australian obstetrics and gynecology trainees, collecting information on personal experience of part-time training (PTT) and training data status. It highlights that more PT respondents were females and around 105 valid responses were received. It mentions that majority stated caring for children and better exam preparation as reasons for PT training. It states that most experienced work/life balance, improved morale and family commitments as reasons for their support of PTT.

Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a public health problem, because of its extreme frequency and its related fractures. Gynaecologists play an important role in the early detection of patients whose bones are at risk. During the consultation, a routine examination, asking pertinent questions and taking height and weight measurements, allows for the discovery of modifiable risk factors — diet, life style: physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, etc. Gynaecologists are in a particularly good position to intervene. They can inform and advise these patients at risk, by recommending a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, a healthy and stable BMI, a sufficient exposure to sunlight, daily physical activity with a preference for weight-bearing exercise, no smoking and no excessive alcohol. These simple changes for a healthy life style can slow down the loss of bone density, and this well before any loss due to estrogen deficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The aim of the study was the assessment of the influence of ethics or the lack of medical ethics on everyday gynaecological practice, particularly the usefulness and purpose of detecting genetic irregularities in the first and second trimester and abortions. Material and methods: A sample of 164 gynaecological doctors was encompassed by the study. A questionnaire survey was applied as an independent empirical procedure on the basis of the theory of attitudes and the following questionnaires: WCQ (The Ways of Coping Questionnaire) -- Folkman, Lazarus, Dukiel -- Scheier & Weintraub, as the authors own adaptation of that instrument for the requirements of the study. Results: In response to the question on the purpose of performing prenatal diagnostics in detecting genetic irregularities in the first and second trimester -- 35% of physicians were against such diagnostics if it served abortion, 60% supported the test even if in consequence an abortion was carried out, whereas 5% had no stance on the matter. The problem of physicians' approach to abortion for so-called "social reasons" was also studied. Over half, as many as 51% of physicians were against abortion in any form whatsoever, including pharmacological abortions; 45% agreed to abortion and 4% had no opinion. The veracity of ethical motivations was also measured: approx. 4%, refrained from expressing their support of either position; 29% stated that a physician, although they do not perform abortions themselves, should indicate other possibilities of performing the abortion and as many as 67% thought that the indication of a place or a person who performs abortions is obvious. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate the differences in the attitudes of physicians towards the diagnosis of prenatal tests, especially the ones revealing genetic defects and lethal disease. There are two ambivalent patterns of behaviour: one group of physicians opt for delivering every child without any exceptions, but the other one is for destroying deformed foetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The implementation of laparoscopy into Dutch gynecologic practice is slow. This study was conducted to assess the current state of laparoscopy, to identify factors influencing the implementation and to find solutions toward a better implementation. Methods: In 2003 a questionnaire was sent to all 151 gynecologists who finished residency within the previous 5 years. The questionnaire addressed practice demographics, performance of laparoscopy, factors influencing use of laparoscopy in practice and means of obtaining laparoscopic skills after residency. Results: Of 151 gynecologists, 124 (82%) responded, 46 (37%) male and 78 (63%) female. Mean age was 39 years (range 32–47 years). Respondents (73%) believed they were adequately trained during residency for basic laparoscopic procedures, but not for the more advanced procedures (82%). Lack of caseload, lack of being a primary surgeon, and lack of simulator training caused the deficiency of laparoscopic skills at the end of the residency. Causes of the slow implementation were long operating time, lack of attention for laparoscopy during residency, and budgetary problems, but not the financial compensation for gynecologists. In current practice, only 9% believed they reached their preferred level of competence. Hiring an advanced laparoscopic gynecologist was believed to be the best opportunity to reach the preferred level of competence. A minority of respondents supported a referral system or fellowship program. Conclusions: Basic laparoscopy is sufficiently mastered during residency training; however, advanced laparoscopy is not. More emphasis should be placed on laparoscopic training of advanced procedures during residency and for gynecologists in practice. Hiring a gynecologist with advanced laparoscopic skills is expected to be the solution for this problem. However, a referral system or fellowship program is not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the impact of gynecologic laparoscopy courses on the participants’ laparoscopy practice. Methods: We conducted 5 repeated laparoscopy courses between 2008 and 2012 at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, so as to enhance performance in the operating room. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all participants from each of the courses to evaluate the impact of course attendance on clinical practice. Results: Of 70 participants who were approached to complete the online questionnaire, 38 (54.3%) responded. The majority were female (94.7%) and specialists (65.8%). Half the participants (50.0%) thought they would probably not have started performing laparoscopy without having attended the course. Of the participants, 18.4% thought that their operating skills had greatly improved, 63.2% felt that their operating skills had improved moderately to a lot, and 6/12 participants who had not been performing laparoscopy before attendance of the course began doing so. Overall, the course had no significant impact on the participants’ performance of laparoscopy (P =0.51, McNemar test), but the proportion of participants who performed level II laparoscopy was significantly increased after course attendance (10.5% versus 47.4%; P =0.001, McNemar test). Conclusion: Gynecologic laparoscopy courses encourage gynecologists to use laparoscopy in clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the obstetric-gynecologic hospitalist concept which emerged from the hospitalist movement of the 1990s. The work models for the obstetric-gynecologic hospitalist and the obstetric laborist are gaining popularity in hospitals across the U.S. with support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The benefits and limitations of the obstetric-gynecologic hospitalist concept as also examined.

The author reflects on being the president of the Federacion Colombiana de Obsetricia y Ginecologia (FECOLSOG). He accounts his attachment for the Federation and urges physicians to adjust themselves with reality and to work together towards assuming of leadership and constructing spaces defining their specialty and guide the Federation towards sustainability. The vision of the Federation to become more organised by adopting an entrepreneurial approach is highlighted.

El autor reflexiona sobre la necesidad de profesionales de la ginecoobstetricia certificados en subespecialidades, debido a la escasez de este tipo de médicos en México. Se ofrecen datos sobre la práctica de la ginecoobstetricia en México, así como un resumen del estado de mortalidad materna y perinatal en el país.

In this article, the author reflects on his experiences and memories relating to his obstetric and gynaecology practice. The author recalls his first hands-on experience in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. He also highlights the developments in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology which he had observed while in the practice, such as in vitro fertilization and urogynaecology.