Core competencies for gynecologic endoscopy in residency training: a national consensus project

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Education
• Gynecology

Background:

• Endoscopic surgical education requires improvement in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.
• The Canadian Endoscopy Education Project seeks to establish a national, standardized endoscopy curriculum.
• A need exists for defined core competencies in gynecologic endoscopy (GE) training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the essential competencies for a gynecologic endoscopy (GE) curriculum within residency training.
• To establish a foundation for a national, standardized GE curriculum in Canada.

Main Methods:

• An expert consensus project involving leading endoscopy educators from all 16 Canadian academic obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.
• Utilized the Delphi technique over three rounds to achieve consensus on identified competencies.
• Reviewed 213 objectives, with 199 (93%) reaching agreement.

Main Results:

• Successfully identified core competencies for GE training in obstetrics and gynecology residencies through national expert consensus.
• Established a consensus-based list of 199 core objectives for GE proficiency.
• Identified competencies beyond general residency scope, potentially guiding future subspecialty fellowship training.

Conclusions:

• National expert consensus has defined the core competencies for gynecologic endoscopy (GE) training in obstetrics and gynecology residencies.
• This consensus provides a crucial foundation for developing a standardized national GE curriculum.
• The findings will enhance the quality and consistency of GE education for residents across Canada.