Assessments
Perceptions and Competence in Evidence-Based Medicine: A Survey of the American Urological Association Membership
PURPOSE:
We investigated the attitudes and opinions of urologists towards EBM. A random sample of 2000 AUA members was approached to complete a survey which addressed the role of EBM in urology, participants’ self-assessed understanding of EBM-related terminology, their familiarity and use of web-based resources and knowledge of key EBM concepts. Of these, 889 respondents completed the survey reporting that practicing EBM improves patient care and that every urologist should be familiar with critical appraisal techniques.
STATUS:
Completed
Evidence Based Medicine Training in Residency: A Survey of Urology Program Directors
PURPOSE:
We surveyed all ACGME-accredited urology programs in the United States (n=117). Based on a 92% response rate, program directors overwhelmingly confirmed the importance of EBM training for urology residents: 90% agreed with the statement, “EBM training is valuable to urology residents,” and 84% agreed that formal EBM training should be part of all urology residency programs. Despite recognizing its importance, 22% of program directors indicated that they did not direct any particular educational efforts towards teaching EBM and 50% reported that they did not use any specific resources to teach EBM. When asked what would make it easier for them to teach EBM to urology residents, the most frequently endorsed suggestions were: urology-specific educational materials (33.3%), a formal curriculum (24.4%), and faculty development (16.3%).
STATUS:
Completed
Evidence Based Training in Residency: A Survey of Urology Residents
PURPOSE:
All urology residents in post-graduate years 3-6 within the United States were approached to complete a survey which evaluated the acceptance and value of formal EBM training in residency. Based on a 56.4% (309/548) response rate, a majority of residents recognize formal EBM teaching as an important aspect of residency training and feel that it should be incorporated into the curriculum. These findings support efforts to provide residents with opportunities to learn EBM in a variety of educational formats.
STATUS:
Completed
