Background: HERU priority setting working group (PSWG) aims to improve the condition and relieve the burden of disease from individuals (and the community).  HERU PSWG declares the lack of a clear definition of what must be the priority in health research. HERU PSWG considers the existing research portfolio in the world, current scientific advances, the needs and values of our community, and input from professors in clinical domains.  While endorsing priority setting in patient centered health research, it is crucial to note that HERU PSWG stresses the importance of fundamental research. The group was commissioned by the Chairman of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Prof. Gamal Wafa on Nov 1 2011.

Objective: to identify existing gaps in our knowledge in foreground questions in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Methods: HERU PSWG has thoroughly searched a total of six databases that include existing research portfolio: CDSR, CENTRAL (includes details of published articles taken from bibliographic databases (notably MEDLINE and EMBASE), and other published and unpublished sources), DARE, HTA Database, and NHS Economic Evaluation Database. The following Disciplines were searched Pregnancy and Childbirth, Gynecological cancer, Menstrual Disorders and subfertility, Fertility regulation, and Urogynecology. Search terms included: “insufficient evidence”, “limited evidence”, “lack of evidence”. “absence of evidence”, “inadequate evidence” and “insufficient data”. The search is carried out by members of the PSWG and verified by two of faculty members. The full list is edited to categorize topics and identify areas of local needs.

Results: the complete list of all unanswered questions in obstetrics and gynecology will be delivered to the Chairman of the Department on November 12, 2011.

Conclusion: The final draft of HERU PSWG is expected to provide a 5-year strategic plan for patient-centered research in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology