Virtual Urology Education in the Epicenter of COVID-19: Development and Outcomes of the Educational Multi-Institutional Program for Instructing REsidents (EMPIRE) Lecture Series.

INTRODUCTION

Sustaining resident education efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic required innovative, virtual didactic programs. This article reviews the authors' collaborative experience with launching the Educational Multi-institutional Program for Instructing REsidents (EMPIRE) lecture series in the New York Section of the American Urological Association.

METHODS

From April 13, 2020 to May 29, 2020, there were 68 EMPIRE lectures delivered via Zoom videoconferencing that were based on a variety of topics highlighted in the AUA Core Curriculum. Tracking tools from Zoom, Google Analytics from the New York Section website and YouTube Analytics were used to assess participant access of didactic materials. Additionally, a survey regarding the content and impact of the series was distributed and advertised to those who had attended the lecture series.

RESULTS

The average number of participants was 159±68 per lecture (range 77 to 334) and the recordings received 9,086 total video views (range 42 to 443 views per video) at the time of survey completion. The survey received 170 total responses. The majority of speakers (77%) and participants (58%) were from the New York Section. Half of the participants were residents (50%) and others were attending urologists (35%), fellows (5%), medical students (9%), and advanced practice providers (1%). Survey respondents reported consistently high ratings of the EMPIRE series. Overall, 99% of respondents said that they would recommend the EMPIRE series to a colleague and 98% requested that the series continue after COVID-19 abates.

CONCLUSIONS

The EMPIRE didactic series was well received, with the majority of participants positively endorsing its value. Further initiatives pertaining to virtual education for urology trainees should continue to be explored.