Abstract
Objective(s)
To describe the infrastructural differences in training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
(ObGyn) across Europe.
Study design
Descriptive web-based survey of 31 national ObGyn trainee societies representing the
30 member countries of the European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Answers were verified in a telephone interview and only countries which had completed
the telephone interview were included in the final analysis.
Results
The final analysis included 28 of 31 societies representing 27 countries (response
rate 90%). The median formal duration of training was 5 years (range 4–7). There were
mandatory requirements in addition to medical school graduation before specialisation
could be started in 20 (71%) countries. The job opportunities after completion of
training varied and included academic fellowships (n = 21 [75%]), clinical fellowships/junior consultancy (n = 21 [75%]), consultancy (n = 11 [40%]), and private practice (n = 23 [82%)]. Training and working as a specialist abroad was uncommon (≤20% in 21 [78%]
and 26 [96%] countries respectively). Exams during ObGyn training were offered in
24 (85%) countries. Unemployment after completion of training was rare (<5% in 26
[93%] countries). Assessment of ObGyn specialists took place in 20 (71%) countries.
Conclusion(s)
The study illustrates that there are organisational variations in ObGyn training in
Europe; A) The requirements to obtain a training post vary causing differences in
the qualifications of trainees starting training. B) The duration of training varies.
And C) newly trained specialists carry varying levels of responsibility. The results
suggest that the content, organisation, and outcome of training differ across Europe.
Differences due to political, social and cultural reasons are expected. However, further
harmonisation of training across Europe still seems desirable in order to improve
women’s healthcare and facilitate the mobility of ObGyn trainees and specialists across
Europe. There are currently several European initiatives, however, national and local
measures are essential for training to improve.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 10, 2017
Accepted:
May 6,
2017
Received in revised form:
May 3,
2017
Received:
February 27,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
