Paediatric urology training: what does the future hold?

BACKGROUND

Paediatric urology training is not a mandatory part of higher surgical training in urology in Ireland. It is predicted there will be a shortfall of surgeons trained in paediatric surgery in the coming years leading to a reliance on specialist paediatric surgical centres.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of urological trainees regarding the current state of paediatric urology training and to address the potential future changes to training structures.

METHODS

A voluntary anonymous internet-based survey was emailed to all urological trainees. Parameters assessed included sex, level of training, attitudes towards paediatric urology training and levels of competence regarding core paediatric urological procedures.

RESULTS

69.2 % (n = 18) responded to the survey. 94.4 % (n = 17) would favour mandatory paediatric training-of these, 52.9 % (n = 9) would favour this in a dedicated paediatric hospital with a paediatric urologist. 66.7 % (n = 12) would like to provide a paediatric urology service as a consultant. 55.6 % (n = 10) felt they were competent to perform circumcision or scrotal exploration independently and manage all associated complications. No trainee felt themselves to be competent to perform orchidopexy independently and manage all complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates a promising desire to provide paediatric services in the future. A greater emphasis on structured paediatric urology training is required to maintain the standard currently offered by adult urologists.