How Often is Digital Rectal Examination Performed? Is it Still Taught to Medical Students?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Education
• Clinical Skills

Background:

• Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a critical clinical skill for urologists.
• Current practices and educational emphasis on DRE among American Urological Association (AUA) members and medical students are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency of DRE performance by AUA members.
• To investigate how DRE is taught in medical schools.
• To identify strategies for promoting DRE by the AUA.

Main Methods:

• Web-based surveys were distributed to AUA members (practicing urologists, residents, fellows) and medical students.
• Surveys collected data on DRE performance frequency, teaching methods, and perceived AUA support.

Main Results:

• 64% of AUA members perform DRE on at least 50% of male patients.
• Urologists over 36 performed DRE more frequently than those 36 and younger, who favored PSA screening (p <0.001).
• 89% of medical students reported DRE as a required component of their education, though awareness of AUA educational resources was low (43% for videos).

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the continued importance of DRE and positive attitudes among AUA members and students.
• The AUA can enhance DRE promotion through improved clinical guidelines, educational content, and targeted medical student training, particularly via videos.