Report Katarzyna

Congress Overview

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The 12th Annual National Congress of the Indonesian Gynecological Endoscopy Society (IGES) was held from 6 to 9 November 2025 in Solo–Surakarta, Central Java. The meeting brought together specialists in gynecology, endoscopic surgery, perioperative nursing, and clinical education. For us, a key part of the event was the Special Nurse Program, organized on 7–8 November and accredited by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. A total of 75 nurses from across Indonesia participated in the workshop. They attended the lectures and actively engaged in the practical training sessions prepared for them.

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The program focused on strengthening competencies in minimally invasive gynecological surgery, enhancing perioperative standards, and improving nurse–patient communication in gynecological settings.

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Lectures and workshop activities, held in English, were interpreted by Dr. Meriska Dewi Chasanah, a resident in obstetrics and gynecology, who provided real-time translation throughout the program.

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Faculty Contribution of Dr. Katarzyna Wszołek

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Dr. Katarzyna Wszołek, who also serves as Secretary of the ISGE Nurses and Midwives Section, was invited as an international faculty member and actively contributed to the Special Nurse Program through two lectures and a practical communication workshop.

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Lecture: Evidence-Based Medicine in Nursing, and Midwifery Practice

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(Friday, 7 November 2025)

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Drawing on her presentation, Evidence-Based Medicine in Nursing and Midwifery Practice

Dr. Wszołek introduced participants to:

• The principles of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in clinical nursing and midwifery.

• Challenges associated with information overload, patient uncertainty, and the spread of “pseudo-information.”

• The Hierarchy of Scientific Evidence and Its Implications for Daily Clinical Decision-Making.

• Practical strategies for maintaining updated competencies, working in interdisciplinary teams, and integrating patient values into care planning.

She emphasized that modern patients often conduct extensive online research, which requires clinical personnel to stay current with guidelines and maintain high standards in communication. She also shared supplementary materials for participants, including up-to-date guidelines, recommendations, and high-quality scientific articles.

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Lecture: Communication is crucial – are we effective in communication with our patients?

(Friday, 7 November 2025)

The second lecture, titled "Communication is Crucial – Are We Effective in Communication with Our Patients?", and the communication workshop were jointly designed and prepared with Dr. Maria Nowosadko (psychotherapist and lecturer at Poznan University of Medical Sciences) and Dr. Joanna Żurawska (midwife and lecturer at Poznan University of Medical Sciences).

2. The following issues were addressed:

• Patient expectations regarding communication during gynecological procedures.
• Factors that influence patient trust, anxiety, and decision-making.
• Examples of effective and ineffective communication used by clinical staff.
• The importance of empathy, respect, and avoiding medical jargon in conversations with patients.

The session provided the theoretical foundation for the workshop conducted immediately afterward.

Workshop focus – description of a real clinical scenario – a case study of a young woman anxious before laparoscopy for endometriosis.

• Reflection exercises in participant pairs for:

• Identification of patient emotions, fears, and communication barriers.

• Formulating empathetic and supportive opening statements.

• Providing explanations in clear, understandable language without medical jargon.

• Recognition of phrases that unintentionally escalate fear or shut down conversation.

The workshop was highly interactive, with strong engagement from Indonesian nurses and active discussion of appropriate communication strategies.

Additional Contributions and Activities

In addition to the educational sessions, Dr. Wszołek, with dr Joanna Żurawska, explored opportunities for further collaboration in education and research in minimally invasive gynecology, visited Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, were invited for a tour to beautiful places in the Jawa island – Barabudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and others. Discussions with Indonesian faculty and surgical teams was a great opportunity to exchange experiences regarding training methods for in the communication field.
 

Summary and Impact

Dr. Katarzyna Wszołek’s contribution to IGES 2025 significantly supported the goals of the Special Nurse Program. Her and her collegues' lectures and workshop:

• Strengthened participants’ understanding of Evidence-Based Practice.

• Improved awareness of patient-centered communication in gynecological settings.

• Promoted high educational standards and international knowledge exchange.

Such meetings constitute a key component of effective communication within the interprofessional team caring for women — including midwives, nurses, and gynecologists. This form of knowledge and experience exchange broadens professional perspectives, supports continuous updating of competencies, and enables clinicians to benefit from the expertise of specialists from around the world, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

The meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to promote the activities of the ISGE Nurses and Midwives group, and we were delighted to welcome new members — nurses from Surakarta — into our community.

There were also moments of rest, shared meals, and the enjoyment of local cuisine and culture. The hospitality of the hosts left a lasting impression on all faculty members. The organizers’ enthusiasm and care made the congress not only an excellent scientific event but also an opportunity to build friendships and experience the beauty of Indonesia.