Deficits in Urological Knowledge Among Medical Students and Primary Care Providers: Potential for Impact on Urological Care

PurposeRecent data indicate a decline in the urological education of third and fourth year medical students. To determine if this decline has an impact on the treatment of patients we performed a survey to evaluate the general level of knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to common urological issues seen in a general medical practice among medical students and faculty involved in primary care at an academic institution.Materials and MethodsA confidential questionnaire was distributed to attendings, residents and fellows, and the clinical medical students at our academic institution to ascertain how they evaluate and treat patients with common urological complaints. All responses were entered into SPSS® statistical software.ResultsA total of 300 surveys were distributed, 150 of which were returned with complete information for data analysis. Knowledge with regard to various conditions including hematuria, recognition of an age specific abnormality in serum prostate specific antigen and overactive bladder was low for all groups. Furthermore, respondents demonstrated a low likelihood of requesting formal urological evaluation for these conditions. Exposure to a urology elective in medical school had a positive impact on some areas of urological evaluation.ConclusionsGeneral urological knowledge with regard to the primary care setting is insufficient. The potential for impact on patient care is enormous. These data highlight the need for a definitive urological curriculum in medical school as well as continued education at the resident and faculty level with regard to evaluation, management and recognition of when to request formal urological evaluation in the primary care setting.