Development, implementation, and evaluation of a competency-based didactic and simulation-focused boot camp for incoming urology residents: Report of the first three years

Authors

Yuding Wang, McMaster University
Jen Hoogenes, McMaster University
Roderick Clark, Western University
Nathan C. Wong, McMaster University
Udi Blankstein, McMaster University
Harkanwal Randhawa, McMaster University
Catherine Lovatt, McMaster University
Kevin Kim, McMaster University
Noah Stern, Western University
Jeffrey Law, Western University
Samir Sami, Western University
Michael Uy, McMaster University
Courtney Moore, McMaster University
Bobby Shayegan, McMaster University
Anil Kapoor, McMaster University
Shahid Lambe, McMaster University
Timothy Davies, McMaster University
Sumit Dave, Western UniversityFollow
Alp Sener, Western University
Edward D. Matsumoto, McMaster University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-28-2020

Journal

Canadian Urological Association Journal

Volume

15

Issue

4

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.5489/CUAJ.6679

Abstract

Introduction: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Competence by Design (CBD) initiative presents curricula challenges to ensure residents gain proficiency while progressing through training. To prepare first-year urology residents (R1s), we developed, implemented, and evaluated a didactic and simulation-focused boot camp to implement the CBD curriculum. We report our experiences and findings of the first three years. Methods: Urology residents from two Canadian universities participated in the two-day boot camp at the beginning of residency. Eleven didactic and six simulation sessions allowed for instruction and deliberate practice with feedback. Pre-and post-course multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs) and an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) evaluated knowledge and skills uptake. For initial program evaluation, three R2s served as historical controls in year 1. Results: Nineteen residents completed boot camp. The mean age was 26.4 (±2.8) and 13 were male. Participants markedly improved on the pre- and post-MCQs (year 1: 62% and 91%; year 2: 55% and 89%; year 3: 58% and 86%, respectively). Participants scored marginally higher than the controls on four of the six OSCE stations. OSCE scores remained >88% over the three cohorts. All participants reported higher confidence levels post-boot camp and felt it was excellent preparation for residency. Conclusions: During its first three years, our urology boot camp has demonstrated high feasibility and utility. Knowledge and technical skills uptake were established via MCQ and OSCE results, with participants’ scores near or above those of R2 controls. This boot camp will remain in our CBD curriculum and can provide a framework for other urology residency programs.