title: The need for more workshops in laparoscopic surgery and surgical anatomy for European gynaecological oncology trainees: a survey by the European Network of Young Gynaecological Oncologists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to highlight the relative preference of European gynecologic oncology trainees for workshops that could support and supplement their training needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Web-based survey was sent to 900 trainees on the European Network of Young Gynaecological Oncologists database in November 2011. Respondents were asked to rate a 13-item questionnaire (using a 1- to 5-point Likert scale) on workshop topics they felt would most benefit their training requirements. Free text space for additional topics was also provided. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the mean scores reported for different items. A complete linkage hierarchical cluster analysis with Dendron plot was used to assess any clustering of data, and Cronbach α was used to assess the internal reliability of the questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred ninety trainees from 37 countries responded to the survey, giving a 21% response rate. The 3 most important topics reported were laparoscopic surgery; surgical anatomy, and imaging techniques in gynecologic oncology. The Dendron plot indicated 4 different clusters of workshops (research related skills, supportive ancillary skills, related nonsurgical subspecialties, and core surgical skills) reflecting different competencies trainees need to meet. There was no significant association between individual country of training and workshop preference. The mean duration of the workshop preferred by 71% of respondents was 2 days. Cronbach α of the 13-item questionnaire was 0.78, which suggests good internal consistency/reliability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This report for the first time highlights the relative importance and significance European trainees attach to some of their training needs in gynecologic oncology. Laparoscopic surgery, surgical anatomy, and imaging appear to be the 3 areas of greatest need. The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, other national specialist societies, and institutions should direct additional training efforts at these areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecological Oncology, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, UK. r.manchanda@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ranjit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manchanda
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Halaska
authors.forename: Jurgen M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Piek
authors.forename: Jacek P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Grabowski
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haidopoulos
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zapardiel
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gultekin
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vranes
authors.forename: Kastriot
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dallaku
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bossart
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D020380:Needs Assessment