Assessing practical laparoscopic training in certified Training Centers of the Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG)

Andreas Hackethal,Bernd Holthaus,Franz-Erich Solomayer,Sara Brucker,Uwe A Ulrich,Stefan Rimbach,Bernd Bojahr

doi:10.1007/s00404-019-05263-0

Abstract

PurposeThis study was performed to assess the practical laparoscopic training in Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) certified Training Centers (TC) and evaluate the possible implementation for a manual dexterity skills-training within the Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIC) certification process.Material and methodsAn online questionnaire was developed and the link provided for the heads of the AGE TC. The questionnaire comprised topics on TC organization, practical training performance and perspectives for future training and demographic data.ResultsResponse rate was 78.9% (15/19) of AGE TC. Grasping for the basic and suturing exercises for the advanced curricula, respectively, are thought to be of highest value (each 1.0 ± 0, on a scale from 1 = very valuable to 6 = not at all valuable). Most valuable parameter in assessing training was thought to be pressure/tension with 1.80 ± 1.08 The most valuable training capacity was considered for box training under supervision (1.27 ± 0.59) and feed-back box training with direct evaluation of various surgical skills (1.40 ± 0.63). Supervised box training was also thought to have the most positive influence on surgical performance (1.33 ± 0.49). The majority of respondents (86.7%) were qualified with the highest MIC certification and additional 66.7% were sub-specialized Gynecological Oncologists.ConclusionThe AGE certified TC offer a structured curriculum with emphasis on practical training. The results of this questionnaire and the additional respondents comments on value and future perspectives/changes of practical training support the concept and the implementation of a skills-training to the AGE MIC concept.

Highlights

The Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) strives for clinical excellence with a structured training and education curriculum in gynecological hysteroscopy and laparoscopy [1]
To better define and standardize specific box trainer or box trainer tasks and educational criteria for the skills training, this study aims to assess how the current practical laparoscopy training within certified AGE Training Centers (TC) is performed and how to enquire on further perspectives of endoscopy training and skills training within the AGE TC
From 19 AGE certified Training Center (TC) in 2017, 15 (78.9%) completed questionnaires were available for evaluation

Summary

Introduction

The Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) strives for clinical excellence with a structured training and education curriculum in gynecological hysteroscopy and laparoscopy [1]. To standardize training and education as well as promote theoretical and clinical expertise, a graded certification module, Minimal Invasive Surgeon (MIC), was developed by the AGE board, discussed and optimized by the AGE council and accepted by the members during a general assembly in 2005 [1, 2]. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2019) 300:957–966 decade, there was a continuously increasing number of certified AGE members with 1144 certified members (MIC 1: 612, MIC II: 439, MIC III: 93) and 24 Training Centers in 2019. Requirements for application and certification are a defined number of completed hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures, conference and work-shop attendances and visits within other departments i.e. A full list of requirements for the different MIC certificates are listed in detail on the AGE homepage (www.ag-endoskopie.de). An overview of personal requirements for MIC and institutional requirements for Trainings Center certification are summarized in Tables 1 and 2

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