Competency-Based Medical Education and Assessment of Training: Review of Selected National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Curricula.

There are global variations in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) training curricula, both in length and in their structure and content. The ultimate goal for all residency programs is to ensure a skilled, competent physician, capable of independent practice by the end of his or her training. An online search was used for nationally recognized OBGYN training curricula. The curricula of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States were individually reviewed and evaluated for their use of competency-based medical education and methods of assessment, including simulation. These were also compared to the World Federation for Medical Education's Global Standards for postgraduate medical education. Comparing the OBGYN curricula of these five countries led to quite similar results. Even though curricula reviewed have or will be integrating competency-based medical education into their residency program, there is a need to develop adequate assessment tools, including simulation, to train competent physicians capable of independent practice. Standardization of curricula leads to a decrease in the variability and an increase in the quality of training and allows for measurements and comparisons across centres. Ultimately, modifications to the curricula or even consensus for an international standard, including a standardized national simulation curriculum, may potentially increase the quality and efficiency of training, which could have a direct impact on patient safety and quality of care.