Defining working patterns for UK consultant urologists: results of a national census

Abstract

Objective Our aim was to determine current working patterns for consultant urological specialists in the United Kingdom (UK), to create a contemporary job plan template for the ‘average’ UK urologist and to use this data to predict the workforce required to deliver UK Urology services in the future. Patients and methods A questionnaire-based study of 790 full British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) members was undertaken. This was specifically designed to provide information on the demographics of the workforce, individual consultant job plans and service provision. Data was analysed in conjunction with independent BAUS workforce reports, UK national statistics and Hospital Episodes statistics data to model future Urology workforce activity and numbers. Results In total, 415 responses were completed, representing an overall response rate of 53%. The average job plan consisted of 11 programmed activities per week comprising eight direct clinical care sessions and two supporting professional activities, with a median on-call intensity of 1:6. Some 90% of consultants provide a general urology outpatient clinic, seeing a mean of 7 new and 9 follow-up patients; 67% of respondents provide some-sort of sub-specialist clinic. Dedicated day case operating lists are in the job plans of 56% of urologists and typically comprise five general anaesthetic cases. Inpatient theatre activity is in the job plan of 96%, with a mean activity of four surgical cases on a general urology half-day list and two cases on a subspecialist half-day list. Conclusions This workforce survey highlights the different ways consultants deliver a urological service across the UK. The survey has enabled BAUS to develop a template for the job plan of the ‘average’ urologist. This essential information can assist colleagues in their individual job plan negotiations and help BAUS prepare a comprehensive consultant workforce that can meet the future urological demands of the UK population.