[Urogynaecological training situation in Germany : Gap between demand and reality]

Area of Science:

• Urology and Gynaecology
• Medical Education
• Urogynaecology

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy and reduced stigma lead to more urogynaecological challenges.
• Urogynaecology expertise is poorly standardized within urology and gynaecology.
• Current urogynaecology training in Germany is heterogeneous and requires improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current state of urogynaecology training nationwide in Germany.
• To identify discrepancies in urogynaecology education between residents and chief physicians.
• To assess the need for standardized urogynaecology training.

Main Methods:

• Nationwide survey of urological and gynaecological trainees and chief physicians.
• Utilized a comprehensive questionnaire (34/38 multiple-choice items).
• Data collected between April 2015 and May 2016.

Main Results:

• 70% of trainees expressed personal interest in urogynaecology.
• Significant percentages of gynaecological (45.4%) and urological (52.9%) residents reported lacking standardized training.
• Discrepancies exist between resident and chief physician perceptions of training standardization, though chief physicians value it.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists between the expected and actual urogynaecology education.
• Standardized urogynaecological training requires interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary development.
• Establishment of a broad, well-designed training network and curricula is essential.