The need for a course to complete urological education for consultant practice using a simulated ‘boot camp’ structure at the end of specialist training: A survey-based study

Abstract

Background and aims: To obtain opinions from urology trainees and consultants regarding the need for, and structure of, a post-specialty training Urology Simulation Boot Camp (USBC) for consultant practice. Methods and results: A survey-based study was conducted, and ‘Google Forms’ were distributed electronically via social media. Urology specialist trainees (ST) in years 5–7 (ST5-ST7), post-certification of completion of training (CCT) fellows and ST3 boot camp faculty consultants in practice for ≤5 years and >5 years were included. One hundred and seven responses were received. 97.2% of responders thought a pre-consultant USBC was worthwhile; 55.1% selected the course duration to be 2 days. 47.7% felt that the USBC should be delivered post-exam in ST7. 91.6%, 43.9%, 73.8%, 87.9% and 74.8% considered that modules in emergency operative procedures, novel uro-technologies, delivering multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, non-clinical consultant roles and responsibilities, stress and burnout to be important, respectively. 62.6% and 31.8% felt that the course should be wholly or part-funded by Health Education England (HEE). Conclusions: A post-specialty training, pre-consultant, USBC delivered post-exam in ST7, is worthwhile and should include modules on emergency operative procedures, leading MDTs, non-clinical roles and responsibilities and managing stress and burnout in consultant careers. Ideally, it should be fully/part-funded by HEE.