Development of a competency framework for postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology using a Delphi study

The aim of this study was to create a new integrated competency framework for the postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology and to reach consensus through a Delphi study.

Using the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) framework as a basis, three existing frameworks were merged by screening for keywords. Subsequently, consensus on the unified framework was reached through a Delphi study: a group of 18 Belgian experts was asked for their opinions on the competencies through three successive questionnaires.

In the first round, one of the in total 91 competencies was deemed irrelevant. In the second round, the competencies were reviewed for content and formulation, after which consensus was not reached on 15 competencies. These 15 competencies were adjusted as needed based on comments collected during the first two rounds. The adjusted competencies were then sent back to the experts in the third round, resulting in a final consensus on all 91 competencies. However, the comments indicated that several competencies were considered broad or vague, casting doubt on their practical applicability.

Through a Delphi study, consensus was reached on a newly composed competency framework. Such a holistic competency framework can form the basis of a curriculum reform in the postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology within Belgium, but also in a more international context. Further research is needed to develop an assessment tool to implement these competencies in practice.