A system of credentialing physicians in advanced gynecologic endoscopy

To develop criteria for credentialing physicians in advanced gynecologic endoscopy.

Descriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

University-affiliated community hospital. Patients. None.

Criteria for credentialing physicians were tested.

Physicians were granted universal privileges in advanced gynecologic laparoscopy or hysteroscopy when they were certified by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ACGE). Alternatively, they received category-specific privileges in any one of six categories when they provided documentation of having satisfactorily performed 10 cases in four categories or 5 cases in the remaining two. Required cases included those performed during residency or with a proctor. Completion of an approved residency, board certification or eligibility, and good standing were other requirements. Proof of continuing medical education in endoscopy was also considered. Of 31 physicians in the department, 3 had ACGE certification: 1 in laparoscopy, 2 in laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Three physicians gained privileges under the alternative system. One received category 1, one received categories 1 and 2, and the third received categories 1, 2, and 6 privileges. Twenty-five physicians were granted standard endoscopy privileges, including six who applied for advanced endoscopy privileges. These applications are pending case documentation and proctorship.

A system for credentialing physicians in advanced gynecologic endoscopy, using two alternative pathways, was implemented.