AAGL Announces Publication of Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) Validation Trial
CYPRESS, Calif., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Thursday, June 18, 2020, the AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists), the premier organization in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery with membership of over 8,000 physicians worldwide, announced publication of study results from a nationwide trial of the AAGL's Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG). The full manuscript entitled "Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) Manual Skills Construct Validation Trial" by Dr. Malcolm G. Munro, et al. has been published with open access online in the June 2020 edition of Obstetrics & Gynecology (the Green Journal), the official publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The primary objective of the study was to establish or refute validity for the EMIG Manual Skills Construct by distinguishing novice residents in obstetrics and gynecology (PGY-1) from mid-training residents (PGY-3) during the first 100 days of their training year. Secondary aims included the ability to distinguish "proficient" (ABOG-certified without additional fellowship training) from "expert" practicing surgeons who had completed an accredited two-year fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (FMIGS).
The validation of EMIG skills is the result of a collaboration by the AAGL, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) to develop a system for training in and evaluation of endoscopic surgical skills. EMIG is uniquely applicable to gynecologic trainees and is based upon rigorously applied psychometric principles.
Developed and funded by the AAGL, EMIG is comprised of a validated cognitive examination, an accompanying web-based didactic component that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) for 10 AMA PRA Category 1 credits and a manual skills training and testing platform of hysteroscopic and laparoscopic exercises specific to gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Jubilee Brown, AAGL President, commented that the EMIG project is, "the culmination of over eight years of dedicated work and diligence on the part of so many skilled AAGL members, surgeons and educators." She continued, "I am just one of a line of former AAGL Presidents who have supported this important work, and it is my honor and privilege to see it completed." She also thanked ACOG Immediate Past President, Dr. Ted Anderson for his partnership in providing the ACOG Simulation Centers that were used in the skills validation trial. Dr. Anderson remarked: "In addition to basic laparoscopic skills, EMIG assesses cognitive and skills performance in hysteroscopy, which is unique to gynecologic surgery and absent in other surgical skills assessment platforms." Dr. Brown also acknowledged Dr. Mark B. Woodland, immediate Past CREOG Chair for CREOG's support throughout the development of this platform, who stated, "As surgical technology evolves, it is imperative to have formative evaluation processes and outcome measures for our gynecology surgeons in training. EMIG presents a validated pelvic simulation platform to assess a surgeon's progress and technical competency and has the potential to set a new standard in the education of gynecologists."
For open access of the full manuscript please visit: https://bit.ly/37SG9eV
About AAGL:
AAGL is a professional medical association of endoscopic surgeons and is the global leader in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. AAGL's mission is to elevate the quality and safety of health care for women through excellence in clinical practice, education, research, innovation, and advocacy. For more information visit https://www.aagl.org/.
SOURCE American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)
