The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 

About: The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Pregnancy & Obstetrics and gynaecology. Over the lifetime, 971 publications have been published receiving 8228 citations.

CPD and maintenance of certification in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Abstract: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the national specialty societies and continuing medical education (CME) divisions of the medical schools established a continuing professional development (CPD) programme in 2000. The programme forms the basis for mandatory Maintenance of Certification and Fellowship in the College after 2005. The CPD programme is designed to foster the culture of continuous quality improvement in practice and the pursuit of excellence in specialty medicine. This article describes the regulations and the educational principles on which the framework of CPD options are based. The results of a pilot project undertaken in 2000 are presented.

The Delphi technique

Abstract: The Delphi technique is a way of obtaining a collective view from individuals about issues where there is no or little definite evidence and where opinion is important. The process can engender group ownership and enable cohesion among individuals with diverse views. It is an iterative questionnaire exercise with controlled feedback to a group of panellists who are anonymous. The design avoids the often counterproductive group dynamics that can occur where individuals are swayed or intimidated by others but allows panellists to reappraise their views in the light of the responses of the group as a whole.

‘Omic’ technologies: genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics

Abstract: Authors Richard P Horgan / Louise C Kenny Key content: • ‘Omic’ technologies are primarily aimed at the universal detection of genes (genomics), mRNA (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics) and metabolites (metabolomics) in a specific biological sample. • Omic technologies have a broad range of applications. • Genomic and transcriptomic research has progressed due to advances in microarray technology. • Mass spectrometry is the most common method used for the detection of analytes in proteomic and metabolomic research. • Data analysis is complex as a huge amount of data is generated and statistician and bioinformatician involvement in the process is essential. • Much of the omic research in obstetrics and gynaecology has concentrated on using the technology to develop screening tests for gynaecological cancers and obstetric complications.