In October, Dr Kelly Hankins flew to Muscat, Oman and connected with colleagues from around the world for RCOG World Congress 2024, a prestigious event for advancing women’s health. This year’s congress brought together leading experts to discuss transformative developments in fields like urogynaecology, endometriosis management, labour ward management, and the importance of a diverse and psychologically safe workplace.
Advances in Urogynaecology
A major focus this year was on emerging treatments in urogynaecology, especially for conditions like recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Chronic UTIs and GSM significantly impact the quality of life for many women, and recent breakthroughs are promising. Novel, minimally invasive therapies are now available that aim to reduce infection recurrence, alongside emerging options to address GSM symptoms non-hormonally, offering hope for patients who have previously experienced limited relief.
Medical Management of Endometriosis
Endometriosis remains a challenging condition, with many patients experiencing persistent symptoms despite conventional treatment. At the congress, discussions on innovative, non-surgical therapies focused on improving quality of life and symptom management through personalised medication regimens and lifestyle modifications.
Labour Ward Management
The latest guidelines and techniques for labour ward management, particularly surrounding difficult caesarean births and foetal welfare, were another highlight. Experts shared new approaches to improve outcomes in complicated caesarean deliveries, stressing the importance of situational adaptability and collaboration among the medical team. The Congress also addressed foetal welfare with an emphasis on real-time assessment tools and decision-making practices that optimise care for both mother and child.
Predicting Foetal Growth Restriction
Advances in ultrasound technology are enabling earlier and more accurate detection of foetal growth restriction (FGR) at term, a critical predictor of perinatal complications. Dr Hankins learned about specific ultrasound markers that can help identify foetuses at risk of restricted growth. Recognising FGR allows for timely intervention and can significantly improve outcomes.
Diverse and Psychologically Safe Workplaces
An essential aspect of the congress was the emphasis on diversity of thought and creating a psychologically safe work environment in healthcare. In an industry where collaboration and clear communication are highly important, fostering diverse perspectives helps prevent errors and promotes innovation. By adopting these practices, Dr Hankins aims to cultivate an inclusive environment that allows her staff to contribute openly and work together to deliver exceptional patient care.
The insights gained from the RCOG World Congress 2024 have reinforced Dr Hankins’ commitment to staying at the forefront of gynaecological care. By integrating these innovations and perspectives, she is better equipped to provide her patients with cutting-edge treatments in a safe and inclusive setting. From managing challenging cases in the labour ward to pioneering treatments for chronic conditions, Dr Hankins is excited to bring these advancements to her practice, ensuring that her patients receive the highest standard of care.