ABSTRACT
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate resident trainees’ perspectives on the pediatric
and adolescent gynecology (PAG) training in obstetrics and gynecology training programs
in Europe.
Study Design
This study was a cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire, on the basis
of the PAG training in obstetrics and gynecology section of the European Board & College
of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Project of Achieving Consensus in Training curriculum.
We aimed to survey the national programs in 35 European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics
and Gynaecology (ENTOG) member countries. Taking part in the survey was voluntary.
The questionnaire was shared on the ENTOG online platforms.
Results
Ninety obstetrics and gynecology trainees in 33 of 35 countries responded to our questionnaire.
Of the 35 ENTOG member countries, 33 participated in the survey, and a total of 90
responses were collected, giving a response rate of 9% of all European trainees and
representing 94% of the member countries. Only 27% of trainees reported having a PAG
rotation during their training program, and a PAG elective was only available to 34%
of the trainees. Forty-one percent reported that PAG training was not included in
their curriculum (no official rotations or lectures planned). Despite the lack of
formal training, 72% of trainees felt able to diagnose and manage prepubertal vaginal
bleeding and adnexal masses in children and adolescents by the end of their training.
Most (58%) also confirmed that they could determine indications for treatment of vulval,
vaginal, perineal, and rectal conditions.
However, despite scoring positively for the management and counseling of subjects
that often overlap with adult patients, such as “contraception in adolescents with
health problems,” “acute abdominal pain,” “menstrual abnormalities,” and “vaginal
discharge,” the study revealed poorer scores when the trainees were asked about more
specific PAG topics such as “premature puberty” and “developmental disorders of the
genital tract.”
Conclusion
Most core training programs across Europe do not include formal PAG training, and
trainees reported a need to improve the provision of core PAG training in Europe.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 08, 2022
Accepted:
June 2,
2022
Received in revised form:
May 18,
2022
Received:
September 29,
2021
Footnotes
Declaration of interest: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
