A literature review and proposed framework for a core curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology for medical students globally

BackgroundThere have been challenges in deciding the curricular content in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) for medical students because the core knowledge, competencies, and duration of Ob/Gyn clerkships, varies widely by country. ObjectivesTo investigate current recommendations for Ob/Gyn curricula for medical students globally, in a rapid review of the literature and websites of a selection of medical schools. Search StrategyA targeted search of selected databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) using relevant key words and a search of university websites. Selection CriteriaStudies that applied to medical or undergraduate students in Ob/Gyn. Data Collection and AnalysisA standardized extraction form on Microsoft excel to extract and chart data. Main ResultsWe identified recommendations from national professional bodies (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Turkish-National Core Curriculum), and descriptions from five university websites. We also identified additional objectives, including teaching on intimate partner violence, health priorities in low- and middle-income countries, and a variation in practical skills recommended. ConclusionsFitting all the recommended curricula content into medical student Ob/Gyn clerkships is a challenge. A framework to address this, for consideration by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and other stakeholders, is proposed in which priority is given to topics related to emergency Ob/Gyn, history taking, and examination of the pregnant and non-pregnant patient.

Automated summary

There are challenges in determining the curricular content for medical students in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) due to variations in core knowledge, competencies, and duration of clerkships across countries. This study investigates the current recommendations for Ob/Gyn curricula globally by reviewing literature and websites of selected medical schools. The findings suggest that incorporating all recommended content into medical student clerkships is difficult and a framework prioritizing emergency Ob/Gyn, history taking, and examination skills is proposed.