Test-enhanced learning improves learner attendance during a laparoscopic box trainer simulation program.

Background: Laparoscopy is the gold standard approach for many surgical procedures, but it is a complex skill to learn. Laparoscopic simulation training may help, but it is unclear how to best engage trainees in these programs. Test-enhanced learning (TEL) uses regular, well-defined assessments of performance throughout the training phase of learning.

Are we 'gritty' enough? The importance of 'grit' in O&G training: Association of passion and perseverance with burnout, thriving and career progression.

Background: Objective assessment of grit and its association with burnout in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) training is underexplored.

Aim: This study utilises the Short Grit Scale and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to investigate the association of grit with burnout, thriving and career progression among O&G trainees and Fellows in Australia/New Zealand.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) members was conducted.

Exploring the impact of endometriosis on partners.

Aim: This study aimed to determine how endometriosis affects the quality of life of partners of women who suffer from this disease and how it impacts their relationships, finances, mental states, and daily living.

Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cohort study that took place at a large tertiary hospital gynecology unit, which covered two sites. Fifty-one partners of women who had surgically diagnosed endometriosis agreed to participate in the study and returned completed surveys.

Could Elastography Be Used in the Prediction of Morbidly Adherent Placentation?

Morbidly adherent placentation (MAP) is a condition in which the placenta is abnormally attached to the uterine myometrium. MAP is a complication of pregnancy that can cause significant morbidity to the mother and fetus and therefore early diagnosis is crucial in its management and prevention of adverse outcomes. Ultrasonography remains the primary diagnostic tool for MAP, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serving as a secondary diagnostic modality.

A retrospective comparison of water birth and conventional vaginal birth among women deemed to be low risk in a secondary level hospital in Australia.

Background: Water birth involves the complete birth of the baby under warm water. There is a lack of consensus regarding the safety of water birth.

Aim: This study aimed to describe the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with water birth among labouring women deemed at low risk for obstetric complications and compare these outcomes against women of similar risk who had a standard land birth.

Should liquid-based cytology be performed prior to colposcopy? A comparison of the accuracy, unsatisfactory rates and cost in a tertiary referral setting.

Objective: To compare the use of liquid-based cytology (LBC) with conventional cytology (CC) in the assessment cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) prior to colposcopy.

Design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Methods: Liquid-based cytology and CC findings were compared with colposcopic assessment and directed cervical biopsy in terms of sensitivity and specificity for high grade lesions only and for any abnormalities.

Institution of universal screening for Group B streptococcus (GBS) from a risk management protocol results in reduction of early-onset GBS disease in a tertiary obstetric unit.

Aim: To determine the effect of institution of a universal screening protocol as per CDC 2002 guidelines had on the incidence of early-onset Group B streptococcal (GBS) and non-GBS disease in a tertiary obstetric unit.

Methods: A prospective study with historical control data reporting the incidence of early-onset GBS and non-GBS disease following institution of a universal screening strategy at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia. We compared the incidence of early-onset GBS and non-GBS disease during prescreening (1994-2002) with screening period (2004 to June 2006).