European Board And College Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology Research Articles

The effects of Climate Change and environmental pollution on human reproduction: A scientific review commissioned by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) and the European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ENTOG) express their concerns on the effect of climate change and environmental pollution. This paper reviews the impact on reproductive health and the contribution to climate change by the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. It concludes that its contributors and the effects of climate change cause definite adverse consequences to fertility and adverse obstetric outcomes. Mankind, and obstetrics and gynaecology personnel as well, must be aware and responsible of its contribution to climate change and consider the impact of their actions and interventions.

European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) position statement on the use of laser vaginal devices for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence

One in three women will experience pelvic floor disorders in her lifetime and nearly 60 percent of postmenopausal women are affected by vaginal dryness. Conservative management is recommended as first line treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Also, vaginal estrogens are often prescribed for symptomatic vaginal atrophy. Lasers have been used in cosmetic industry for connective tissue remodeling and repair of skin. Their use in the last decade for treating genitourinary symptoms of menopause, pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence has gained popularity but there is lack of robust evidence to support its use in routine practice. The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology calls for high quality evidence with patient related outcome measures before adopting to routine clinical practice.

Current Status and Future of Genomics in Fetal and Maternal Medicine: A scientific review commissioned by European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

This EBCOG guidance reviews the current and future status of genomics within fetal and maternal medicine. This document addresses the clinical uses of genetic testing in both screening and diagnostic testing prenatally. The role of genomics within fetal and maternal medicine is described. The research and future implications of genetic testing as well as the educational, ethical and economic implications of genomics are discussed.

Omega-3 fatty acid supply in pregnancy for risk reduction of preterm and early preterm birth: A position statement by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Pre-term birth is associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pre-term births are associated with significant health and neuro-developmental risks in childhood and adulthood. Women with multiple pregnancies are at much higher risks. Low levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are associated with higher risk of pre-term labour and increased consumption of foods rich in omega-3 PUFA or supplements are associated with a 11 % and 42 % risk reduction of early and late preterm births, respectively.

High-intensity exercise during pregnancy – A position paper by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Most guidelines recommend regular physical exercise to all pregnant women. However, because of the anatomical and physiological changes which occur during pregnancy, high-intensity exercise and forms of extreme sports can place the pregnant woman and her fetus at risk of harm.

The role of traditional complementary physical interventions in obstetrics – A scientific review commissioned by the European board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG)

Because of the fear of the use of pharmacological agents, many pregnant women are opting to use alternative management modalities either as primary management or to compliment standard contemporary medical practices. The traditional complementary physical interventions of acupuncture, acupressure, and electrostimulation have a long tradition of use in traditional Chinese medical practice and are advocated for the management of antenatal conditions such as spontaneous miscarriages, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary problems. They have also been advocated as useful to help the process of labour in promoting a cephalic delivery, induction/augmentation of labour and pain relief. Postpartum these modalities have been said to help the secretion and production of milk. While a number of studies, some randomized controlled, have suggested a potential role for these traditional complementary physical interventions, systematic reviews have generally failed to show a definite conclusive beneficial role and all reviews generally suggest the need for further controlled research in the field. Since no adverse effects appear to be associated with the use of these modalities in pregnancy, such modalities of management can be considered but only as an adjuvant to standard pharmacological management after a full clinical assessment has ruled out underlying pathology.

The United States Supreme Court ruling and women’s reproductive rights – A position statement issued by The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

The judicial review by the Supreme Court of the United States on Roe v. Wade has fundamentally limited the ability of women to exercise choice and control of their sexual and reproductive rights in the United States. The global organisations are concerned that there remains a risk that women’s rights will be diminished globally in future.

Folic acid fortification of flour to prevent neural tube defects in Europe – A position statement by the European Board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG)

Neural tube defects are disabling birth defects developing during the very early stages of conception. Children born with spina bifida face significant physical, psychological and social consequences. They may have bowel and urinary dysfunction, and no lower limb muscle control, resulting in lifelong wheelchair use. There is robust evidence that periconceptual folic acid supplementation prevents neural tube defects, when compared with no intervention. However, approximately 40% pregnancies in Europe are unplanned, and women may therefore not be taking prophylactic folic acid at the time of conception. There is evidence that low dose folic acid consumption via flour fortification provides further benefits in prevention of neural tube defects.

044 European Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Post-specialty Training Curriculum

In the past years, several developments made the need for a European Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) Post-specialty Training Curriculum clearer. At first, the need of specialist care for young girls and adolescents is evident. EBCOG published European standards of care in PAG in 2014 to create awareness of this need. Even though, these standards of care do exist, healthcare services vary considerably across Europe. One of EURAPAG papers showed that PAG healthcare services can only improve if the professional skills are improved by education [ [1] Roos E.J. Vatopoulou A. on behalf of the European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Health care service in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology throughout Europe: a review of the literature. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2019; 235: 110-115 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar ]. Second, in 2018 EBCOG launched EBCOG-PACT to harmonize ObGyn training in Europe [ [2] Scheele F, Goverde AJ, van der Aa. Project for Achieving Consensus in Training by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG-PACT). Version 2018. Google Scholar ]. And last, in some parts of Europe PAG is an officially recognized subspecialty and in other European countries it is a special field of interest. EURAPAG aims to improve and harmonize advanced PAG training with this Post-Specialty Training Curriculum [ [3] Stankovic Z.B. Tridenti G. Liassides M. Wood P.L. Roos E.J. on behalf of the European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (EURAPAG) and European Board And College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). The Future of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology in Europe. European Journal Obst Gyn and Reprod Biol. 2019; 235: 121-124 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar ].

The consequences of armed conflict on the health of women and newborn and sexual reproductive health – A position statement by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Armed conflict brings about significant health-related consequences to the non-combatant population especially the elderly, women, and children. The consequences for women extend further than battle-related deaths. One important consequence of conflict is the population displacement resulting from individuals and families seeking safety in non-conflict zones. This forced migration places women at risk of gender-based violence during their journey and for this reason the host countries should ensure that the migrants are given access to reproductive health services, including providing emergency contraception and abortion. In the conflict zone, the collapse of all social support, including healthcare services, contribute towards a marked deterioration in the level of care provided to ensure reproductive health and safe motherhood. In addition, the community living the conflict zone is at an increased risk of community infectious disease and poor management of chronic illness. Women and children are almost always innocent victims of war. The international community must act effectively to primarily avoid conflict by sound diplomatic intervention and, when diplomacy fails, reduce the consequences of conflict.

Provision of antenatal care in Europe-A scientific study commissioned by European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Differences in the way health care delivery across countries may have important impacts on health outcomes and can result in inequalities. A questionnaire survey of members of national societies through EBCOG and EAPM was carried out in 2021. A total of 53 responses were received from 26 countries. Most countries reported that routine antenatal care is primarily delivered by medical staff, involving obstetric specialists or family doctors mostly in government-run facilities. Women from minority groups are able to access antenatal care easily in most countries. Less than 10% of women did not attend antenatal care throughout the pregnancy. Most booking for antenatal care takes place in the first trimester and the number of visits range from 6 to 10 depending on parity. Most countries provide routine ultrasound with 2–3 reported scans performed by specifically trained health care professionals. Facilities for prenatal screening/diagnosis of malformations in both low- and high-risk cases varied across Europe. While antenatal care is relatively standardized throughout Europe, important differences still exist in care delivery and accessibility to care. Antenatal preventive strategies appear to be variably available throughout Europe.

O-068 Training of clinicians: How to do it and how to best evaluate it

Abstract Training of clinicians: How to do it and how to best evaluate it? Anis Feki, Tatjana Motrenko, Roy Farquharson Many countries within Europe and EU do not have a specific national agency that provides the necessary structure or governance for appropriate training in Reproductive Medicine (RM). Therefore, The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has been the responsible agency for accreditation of RM training alongside its sister organization, the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). Both of these organizations are ultimately responsible to and approved by the Union of European Medical Specialties (UEMS), which represents the European Union (EU) governing body for medical practitioners’ education. The Reproductive Medicine subspecialist is a specialist in basic obstetrics and gynecology who has undergone theoretical and practical training in the medical and surgical management of infertility, including assisted reproductive techniques (ART). In general, the comprehensive management of these problems includes both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures allied to continuous audit of outcome. The global aim is to improve the care of patients with disorders of reproductive function. To reach this target, both ESHRE and EBCOG put in place a program that starts with accreditation of training centers in obstetrics and gynecology and more specifically, specialist training centers in reproductive medicine. Fellows must have a structured program of a minimum of 2 years after completing their basic obstetrics and gynecology syllabus and/or obtaining EFOG European Fellow of Obstetrics and Gynecology) diploma for non-European basic training. When a training fellow in RM has completed their logbook, the fellow will finish by assessing an individual’s knowledge and skills by passing an exit-training exam called the EFRM (ESHRE-EBCOG Fellow in Reproductive Medicine) diploma. The success of and the need for such certification has led ESHRE to structure the training also for reproductive surgeons, embryologists, as well as nurses and midwives. In addition, several countries within the EU already have a national compulsory specialist accreditation system for RM training. Recent proposals by the EU Commission to build European reference networks across all specialties, including RM may require the recognition of ESHRE/EBCOG–accreditation as an appropriate entry point for consideration of diagnostic and other interventions. Encouraging subspecialists and centers to apply for training accreditation may well prove to be an increasingly attractive option as educational needs across Europe become integrated and formalized through UEMS. ESHRE holds the view that accredited centers/subspecialists for training are beacons of excellence that often go hand in hand with high-quality research.

Accelerating Progress in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia – Reflecting on ICPD 25 Nairobi Summit

The International conference on population and development-25 in Nairobi (2019) has reaffirmed the UN and its member countries' commitment to develop focused strategies to provide comprehensive equitable sexual and reproductive health to every one. European Board and college of Obstetrics and Gynaecology(EBCOG) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESCRH) commit to work with UNFPA EECA Region to deliver these objectives in Eastern Europe and Central Asia where progress as regards SRH targets has been sub-optimal.

Patient blood management in obstetrics: prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. A NATA consensus statement.

Patient blood management (PBM) is the timely application of evidence-informed medical and surgical concepts designed to maintain haemoglobin concentration, optimise haemostasis, and minimise blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide recommendations on the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage as part of PBM in obstetrics. A multidisciplinary panel of physicians with expertise in obstetrics, anaesthesia, haematology, and transfusion medicine was convened by the Network for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, Haemostasis and Thrombosis (NATA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG), and the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA). Members of the task force assessed the quantity, quality and consistency of the published evidence, and formulated recommendations using the system developed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. The recommendations in this consensus statement are intended for use by clinical practitioners managing perinatal care of women in all settings, and by policy-makers in charge of decision making for the update of clinical practice in health care establishments.

Patient blood management in obstetrics: management of anaemia and haematinic deficiencies in pregnancy and in the post-partum period: NATA consensus statement.

Patient blood management (PBM) is the timely application of evidence-informed medical and surgical concepts designed to maintain haemoglobin concentration, optimise haemostasis and minimise blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide recommendations on the management of anaemia and haematinic deficiencies in pregnancy and in the post-partum period as part of PBM in obstetrics. A multidisciplinary panel of physicians with expertise in obstetrics, anaesthesia, haematology, policymaking and epidemiology was convened by the Network for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, Haemostasis and Thrombosis (NATA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). Members of the task force assessed the quantity, quality and consistency of the published evidence and formulated recommendations using the system developed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. The recommendations in this consensus statement are intended for use by clinical practitioners managing the perinatal care of women in all settings and by policymakers in charge of decision making for the update of clinical practice in health-care establishments. They need to be tailored for application in individual patients or any population after consideration of the values and preferences of both health-care providers and patients, as well as equity issues; explicit assessment of harms and benefits of each recommendation; feasibility including resources, capacity and equipment; and implementability.

European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: experiences from the 2016 exchange programme in Turin, Italy.

The European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ENTOG) is an organization representing trainees from 30 European member countries. Together with the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG), it seeks to achieve the highest possible standards of training and consequently to improve the quality of medical care in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics. Every year, the ENTOG council meets and holds a scientific meeting in a different European country. To coincide with this, the host country arranges an exchange, to which each member country can send two trainees. This exchange allows trainees to gain insight into both daily clinical work and the structure of the health care system. This article reports the experiences of participants in the May 2016 ENTOG exchange to Turin, Italy. The aim is to outline differences in training between Germany and Italy as well as some striking differences with other European countries. The participants' personal benefit from this unique experience was not only to get familiar with the Italian trainee programme and health care system, but also to exchange experiences among representatives from other European countries and build up a young gynaecological network within Europe.

Newsletter from the President of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Newsletter from the President of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

EBCOG hospital visiting, a step forward in the quality assessment of training in obstetrics and gynaecology

Since the start in 1996, over 30 hospital visits have been successfully conducted by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) in more than 12 European countries. Hospital visiting is an important tool for raising training standards. EBCOG hospital visiting is voluntary, but its ultimate goal is a National Hospital Visiting Programme in each country within Europe. Some countries, following the initial process of visits by EBCOG have introduced their own hospital visiting system successfully, e.g. Norway and Portugal.

The eighth meeting and exchange programme of European obstetricians and gynaecologists in training (Paris, 3rd–5th December 1998)

The Eighth Meeting and Exchange Programme of European Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in training (ENTOG) took place in France in December 1998, under the auspices of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) and the French College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (CNGOF) [1]. Twenty-six trainees from 10 different European countries were invited to spend a week in twenty-six hospitals throughout France. The target of this exchange programme is to allow trainees to experience different training programmes and methods in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in various countries. The programme is organised on an annual basis, the first of which took place in the Netherlands in 1992. During the sixth meeting in Spain in 1998 the European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was established. A better understanding of the different training methods was strived for to ensure a comparable standard of training and to improve the quality of training and medical care in the different European countries. The ENTOG nowadays has a permanent representative on the EBCOG Council.

Progress toward a united body — the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG): A letter from the president of ECOG to national societies

Progress toward a united body — the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG): A letter from the president of ECOG to national societies