Assessing training in sexual dysfunction for genitourinary medicine registrars

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Genitourinary medicine (GU) specialist registrar training omits sexual dysfunction (SD) from the core curriculum.
• Many GU medicine clinics provide services for SD, indicating a clinical need.
• Trainees frequently encounter patients with SD during routine consultations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current training status and interest in sexual dysfunction (SD) education among GU medicine trainees.
• To identify gaps in SD training provision within GU medicine departments.
• To evaluate trainee demand for integrating SD into the specialist registrar curriculum.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed trainees on the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV mailing list.
• Data collected included clinic attendance, involvement in SD services, current training, and future training interest.
• Response rate was 51% (39/76 trainees).

Main Results:

• 51% of trainees work in departments lacking SD clinic provision.
• Only 12/39 trainees reported receiving any SD training.
• 85% of trainees consult on SD monthly, yet only 3 trainees are routinely involved in dedicated SD clinics.
• 87% expressed interest in SD training, and 79% want it in the core curriculum.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in formal sexual dysfunction (SD) training for GU medicine registrars.
• Despite high patient consultation frequency for SD, training and clinical involvement remain limited.
• There is strong trainee demand for incorporating SD education into the specialist registrar curriculum to meet clinical needs.