Urology boot camp for medical students: improving knowledge and confidence in preparation for clinical practice

Abstract

Objectives: Undergraduate exposure to urology is limited and junior doctors often feel underprepared for managing urological problems. We therefore established a one-day urology teaching course which covered the entire British Association of Urological Surgeons curriculum. Methods: Graduates of a teaching hospital undertook a survey regarding their practical skills and knowledge in urology ( n=20), with responses compared to a sample of students who attended the boot camp ( n=24). Results: Forty per cent of graduates thought they knew most of the curriculum and 0% knew the entire curriculum, increasing to 79.4% and 8.3%, respectively, in the post-boot camp cohort. Forty per cent felt ‘mostly prepared’ for final examinations, increasing to 70.8%; 35% rated their knowledge as ‘good’, increasing to 50%, with a further 12.5% feeling it was ‘excellent’; 0% were ‘very confident’ in examination skills, increasing to 20.8%. One hundred per cent of students thought the boot camp helped in preparation for medical finals, 70.8% felt it better prepared them for foundation training. All course candidates thought the course increased their knowledge and skills in urology. Conclusion: This urology boot camp improves medical students’ skills and knowledge. This course would benefit medical students nationally, providing comprehensive, standardised training in urology and preparing students for final examinations and foundation years. Level of evidence: Not applicable.