In this issue, OBG Management inaugurates Update as a regular feature. The first installment, “Update on Fertility”, exemplifies Update’s purpose: to inform Ob/Gyns of new developments that are driving changes in clinical practice. Update will add a big-picture perspective to every issue’s array of single-topic articles.
You asked, we answered. In recent surveys, you made it clear that you want to know which recent research studies, among hundreds published, are most important. What emerging issues are crucial to clinical practice? What new treatments and technologies are making the most difference in patient care?
In response, we developed Update, to focus on a different Ob/Gyn subspecialty every month and, over time, keep readers up to date on obstetrics and gynecology as a whole. For each Update, a nationally acknowledged expert sifts the studies and other developments of the past 12 to 18 months and identifies which are the most portentous, and why.
Looking beyond the facts. For example, in “Update on Fertility” John F. Randolph, Jr, MD, professor and director, division of reproductive endocrinology, University of Michigan, stresses the clinical and societal repercussions of technical breakthroughs. Of 3 key developments Dr. Randolph reviews, 2 are highly technical. Rather than delve into the science behind the technology, however, he explains how advances in oocyte cryopreservation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis are likely to alter the practice of medicine—and change people’s lives.
Often, factors that were not measured in the study design—and whose potential repercussions may not have been defined in the original publication—are nonetheless crucial to clinical practice. For example, Dr. Randolph stresses the importance of initial evaluation of patients and provision of referral services.
When applicable, Update will address how a study’s limitations affect its clinical implications.
Inevitably, financial issues will be among key developments, such as the CDC’s findings on how insurance coverage may be related to the multiple birth rate.
What’s in store. Update topics for the months ahead are cervical disease, chronic pelvic pain, menopause, gynecologic infections, gynecologic cancers, contraception, technology, pelvic floor surgery, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and antenatal diagnosis/preconceptual counseling.
We hope you find this new feature enlightening and interesting. We welcome your comments and suggestions!