68 Junior medical officers and basic urology: a questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose: Urological disease is very common. In certain settings, urological assistance may not be easily accessible. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs must provide a basic level of training to deal with common problems. We assessed JMOs (junior medical officer) confidence and capability in managing every day urology.Methodology: At a regional hospital, a questionnaire was distributed to 42 JMOs. The number of and confidence in performing basic urological procedures were assessed. A second part involved multiple choice questions on clinical scenarios.Results: Response rate was 100% with 15 interns, 13 residents and 14 registrars from various specialties returning completed questionnaires. Eight (19%) JMOs had previously worked in a urology unit (UJMOs). 54% of HMOs had inserted >10 male urethral catheters compared to 28% >10 female catheters. They were also more confident with male catheters (51% vs. 18% very confident). Despite 18(43%) JMOs performing >30 rectal examinations, only 1 felt very confident in assessing prostate gland characteristics. UJMOs had performed more and were more confident (P < 0.05) in these simple procedures. Only six JMOs (14%) had inserted a suprapubic catheter. Overall, only 59% answers to clinical scenarios were correct.Conclusion: This simple questionnaire highlights JMOs perceived deficiencies in areas such as female urethral catheterization and interpretation of rectal examination. Questionnaires like this can be used to help structure undergraduate curriculum and postgraduate workshops to improve confidence and competence.