Collaborative Efforts of the CDC and ABOG in Continuing Certification

Description: The estimated average time for scientific evidence to change clinical practice is 17 years. The unique collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in continuing certification is an example of how we can nimbly accomplish implementation science and quality improvement goals related to public health issues.

In collaboration with OBGYNs at the CDC in the Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, the ABOG ’s innovative continuing certification process successfully identified and rapidly disseminated article- and guideline-based assessments on emerging topics to its diplomates in the midst of three recent public health crises, including Zika, COVID-19, and Mpox (monkeypox). Another example of the combined efforts between the CDC and ABOG is the practice improvement activity for diplomates serving on their respective multidisciplinary state and local Maternal Mortality Review Committees that comprehensively review cases involving pregnancy-related deaths.

The partnership between the CDC and ABOG in continuing certification and public health improvement activities allows for the rapid translation of emerging data and clinical guidelines to diplomates during public health emergencies, a practice that could be expanded across medical specialties for other public health issues.

This educational session will consist of 15-minute lecture-based presentations with immediate audience feedback mechanisms.

Citations and Literature References (if none, write n/a): 1. Rubin R. It Takes an Average of 17 Years for Evidence to Change Practice-the Burgeoning Field of Implementation Science Seeks to Speed Things Up. JAMA. 2023 Apr 5. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.4387. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37018006.

2. Hamm RF, Iriye BK, Srinivas SK. Implementation Science is Imperative to the Optimization of Obstetric Care. Am J Perinatol. 2021 Jun;38(7):643-648. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1721728. Epub 2020 Dec 15. PMID: 33321535; PMCID: PMC9268067.

3. Trost SL, Beauregard J, Njie F, et al. Pregnancy-Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees in 36 US States, 2017-2019. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2022.