Training, Research, and Working Conditions for Urology Residents in Germany: A Contemporary Survey

Abstract

Background: Excellent uniform training of urology residents is crucial to secure both high-quality patient care and the future of our specialty. Residency training has come under scrutiny following the demands of subspecialized care, economical aspects, and working hour regulations.

Objective: To comprehensively assess the surgical training, research opportunities, and working conditions among urology residents in Germany.

Design, setting, and participants: We sent a 29-item online survey via email to 721 members of the German Society of Residents in Urology.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Descriptive analyses were conducted to describe the surveys' four domains: (1) baseline characteristics, (2) surgical training (cumulative completed case volume for all minor-, medium-, and major-complexity surgeries), (3) research opportunities, and (4) working conditions.

Results and limitations: Four hundred and seventy-two residents completed the online survey (response rate 65%). Surgical training: the median number of cumulative completed cases for postgraduate yr (PGY)-5 residents was 113 (interquartile range: 76-178). Minor surgeries comprised 57% of all surgeries and were performed by residents in all PGYs. Medium-complexity surgeries comprised 39% of all surgeries and were mostly performed by residents in PGYs 2-5. Major surgeries comprised 4% of all surgeries and were occasionally performed by residents in PGYs 3-5. Research opportunities: some 44% have attained a medical thesis (Dr. med.), and 39% are currently pursuing research. Working conditions: psychosocial work-related stress was high and for 82% of residents their effort exceeded their rewards. Some 44% were satisfied, 32% were undecided, and 24% were dissatisfied with their current working situation. Limitations include self-reported survey answers and a lack of validated assessment tools.

Conclusions: Surgical exposure among German urology residents is low and comprises minor and medium-complex surgeries. Psychosocial work-related stress is high for the vast majority of residents indicating the need for structural improvements in German urology residency training.

Patient summary: In this study, we evaluated the surgical training, research opportunities, and working conditions among urology residents in Germany. We found low surgical exposure and high rates for psychosocial work-related stress, indicating the need for structural improvements in German urology residency training.

Keywords: Academic career; Competence; Residency; Training; Work-life balance; Working conditions.