Tips for GP trainees working in urology

Abstract

Urology is a relatively small speciality with a large number of patients, and a very useful placement for GP trainees. It is full of bite-sized procedures and manageable protocols so you can become relatively independent during a placement. You will be asked to see many patients whom others have been unable to catheterise. With a few tricks of the trade you will consistently be able to help these patients and they will be very grateful for it. Most of these tips are as useful in the primary care setting as they are in a job in urology. 1. There are very few actual urological emergencies and they are uncommon; testicular torsion, priaprism, an infected obstructed kidney, and severe renal trauma are the only things that will legitimately wake a consultant overnight. 2. Urological procedures are generally uncomfortable. Be honest with the patient about this. A good warning about the level of discomfort doesn’t normally put patients off and may conversely lead to praise when it is better than expected. 3. Local anaesthetic gel doesn’t ‘numb’ anything it only takes the edge off at most. Leave it for a good 1 minute to work. 4. Offer a chaperone. Don’t get complacent, even for examinations on patients of your own sex. 5. Patients can be very nervous. A lot of what we do is very embarrassing and uncomfortable. Don’t mistake bravado, which is common, for a lack of nerves. 6. Patients generally like confidence. If you know what you are doing and go about a task with confidence you will normalise very …