The New BAUS Section of Academic Urology: A Survey of the Urological Community

Abstract

Objective: In 2007 the Section of Academic Urology was established as the fifth subspecialty section of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). We conducted a survey of urologists and scientists involved in urological research in order to see how the new section could best serve the needs of the academic and clinical community. Materials and methods: A ten-part questionnaire was distributed to members of BAUS and BURST (British Urological Researchers in Training) via invitation, email and face-to-face contact. Results were collated using internet-based survey software. Results: Fifty-eight surveys were returned of which fifty-three (91.4%) were complete; forty-one respondents were career-grade clinicians, forty-six respondents were clinicians with prior research experience, forty respondents indicated a high level of interest in joining the academic section. Establishment of clinical research networks, face-to-face networking, contribution to scientific research in urology and provision of academic training emerged as priority areas for the section to address. Conclusions: Our survey population is a young and highly qualified group, with previous research experience and a desire to conduct further research. Priority areas for the new section to meet were highlighted, however a larger survey population, including non-clinical scientists would help to better establish the views of the wider urological community.