title: Designing a Standardized Laparoscopy Curriculum for Gynecology Residents: A Delphi Approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence suggests that simulation leads to improved operative skill, shorter operating room time, and better patient outcomes. Currently, no standardized laparoscopy curriculum exists for gynecology residents.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To design a structured laparoscopy curriculum for gynecology residents using Delphi consensus methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study began with Delphi methodology to determine expert consensus on the components of a gynecology laparoscopic skills curriculum. We generated a list of cognitive content, technical skills, and nontechnical skills for training in laparoscopic surgery, and asked 39 experts in gynecologic education to rate the items on a Likert scale (1-5) for inclusion in the curriculum. Consensus was predefined as Cronbach α of ≥0.80. We then conducted another Delphi survey with 9 experienced users of laparoscopic virtual reality simulators to delineate relevant curricular tasks. Finally, a cross-sectional design defined benchmark scores for all identified tasks, with 10 experienced gynecologic surgeons performing the identified tasks at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consensus (Cronbach α=0.85) was achieved in the first round of the curriculum Delphi, and after 2 rounds (Cronbach α=0.80) in the virtual reality curriculum Delphi. Consensus was reached for cognitive, technical, and nontechnical skills as well as for 6 virtual reality tasks. Median time and economy of movement scores defined benchmarks for all tasks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study used Delphi consensus to develop a comprehensive curriculum for teaching gynecologic laparoscopy. The curriculum conforms to current educational standards of proficiency-based training, and is suggested as a standard in residency programs.
authors.forename: Eliane M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Shore
authors.forename: Guylaine G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
authors.forename: Heinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Husslein
authors.forename: Flemming
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bjerrum
authors.forename: Jette Led
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sorensen
authors.forename: Teodor P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Grantcharov
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D014584:User-Computer Interface