Teaching and evaluation of basic urodynamic skills in urology residency programs: Randomized controlled study

Considering the growing role of urodynamic studies (UDS) in urology, we aimed to determine the most effective teaching method with objective evaluation for urodynamic skills, to improve training and patient care.

Urology residents (n = 20) post-graduate years 3-5 were randomized to receive either a UDS video training module or a standard UDS teaching document one week prior to an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The OSCE was a validated visual recognition exam with interpretation of 12 UDS tracing scenarios. Participants rated their proficiency to interpret UDS tracings before doing the OSCE. Total interpretation score was determined by the accuracy of their response to each question ranging from 0 to 2.

The mean total interpretation score was 13.3 of 24 (55%). The video group achieved significantly higher interpretation scores (15.1 ± 2.08 vs 11.4 ± 2.41, P = 0.0017), and cumulative certainty scores (P = 0.0341). Overall interpretation scores significantly correlated with self-reported proficiency scores prior to the exam (r = 0.502, P < 0.05), and total certainty scores (r = 0.531, P < 0.05).

Reviewing a UDS video training module resulted in significantly better scores on objective assessment of urology residents' UDS interpretation skills when compared with a standard teaching document. These findings must be interpreted with caution in light of sample size and short knowledge retention required for the assessment within a week. Therefore, using a UDS video training module could be more effective review tool for urology residents. These findings highlight the need to incorporate multimedia teaching into urology training curriculum.