Trainees’ clinical exposure in the general urological outpatient environment and its relevance to their expected clinic throughput at completion of surgical training

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the number of patients seen in urological outpatient clinics by consultants and juniors in general urology clinics to determine whether trainees experience a workload they might expect in their future practice.Materials and methodsData were acquired prospectively for two consultants’ outpatient activity and the general urology component extracted. Collection of new and follow-up patients attendances, and who saw them, was recorded in addition to the booked patient load. Data were analysed to show clinical throughput by consultants and junior doctors in formalized training or in trust-grade posts.Results7645, 2465 new and 5180 follow-up, patients attended 467 general urology clinics. 54.9% of new, and 65% of follow up patients were seen by the consultants when they and junior were present. There was no apparent difference in the numbers of patients seen by trainees and trust doctors irrespective of their experience.ConclusionIn a general urology setting juniors’ exposure to the available outpatient workload seems to be appropriate for what they might expect to encounter at the completion of training. Further research is required to determine the quality, and emphasis, in training necessary to optimize efficient patient management in this environment.