"I'm on an island": A qualitative study of underperforming surgical trainee perspectives on remediation

BACKGROUND

There is a significant gap in the literature regarding trainees' perceptions of remediation. This study aims to explore surgical trainees' experiences and perspectives of remediation.

METHODS

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 11 doctors who have experienced formal remediation as a surgical trainee. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

In this study, trainees perceived remediation as a harrowing and isolating experience, with long-lasting emotions. There was a perceived lack of clarity regarding explanations of underperformance and subjective goals. Remediation was viewed as a 'performance' and tick-box exercise with superficial plans, with challenging trainee/supervisor dynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings about trainees' perspectives on remediation show a need for trainees to be better emotionally supported during remediation and that remediation plans must be improved to address deficits. Integrating the perspectives and experiences of surgical trainees who have undergone remediation should help improve remediation outcomes and patient care.

Costs and challenges of the curriculum vitae for SET Urology training positions: a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical training programs within Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have become more competitive. Applicants are required to build a strong application over curriculum vitae (CV), references and interview. The building of the CV often comes at significant financial and time cost with challenges. This study explores successful applicants' experiences of the costs and challenges to build a successful CV for acceptance onto the Urology training program within Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

Qualitative content analysis (QCA) was undertaken of semi-structured interviews conducted with 11 nSET Urology trainees. QCA focused on the identification and evaluation of costs and challenges experienced. Analysis was reviewed over the domain of CV components.

RESULTS

Costs of building each domain differed significantly between trainees as they focussed on various domains. Challenges encountered were identified with four themes were identified with associated subthemes: Passion/Commitment (two subthemes); Researching Pathways (six subthemes); Challenges (two subthemes) and Acceptance Success (two subthemes).

CONCLUSIONS

The commitment to a surgical specialty begins before acceptance onto a training program. A high-level CV is an integral component of acceptance onto the Urology training program. Each trainee had a different journey, including time and financial sacrifices, to obtain acceptance whilst demonstrating a strong motivation for success. The average cost of each trainee who gained acceptance was $50 779 over 3 years. Consideration should be given to making the CV component less onerous.

Barriers and enablers of active surveillance for prostate cancer: a qualitive study of clinicians

OBJECTIVES

To identify and explore barriers to, and enablers of, active surveillance (AS) in men with low-risk prostate cancer (LRPCa), as perceived by PCa clinicians.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Urologists and radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand were purposively sampled for a cross-section on gender and practice setting (metropolitan/regional; public/private). Using a grounded theory approach, semi-structed interviews were conducted with participants. Interviews were coded independently by two researchers using open, axial, and selective coding. A constant comparative approach was used to analyse data as it was collected. Thematic saturation was reached after 18 interviews, and a detailed model of barriers to, and enablers of, AS for LRPCa, as perceived by clinicians was developed.

RESULTS

A model explaining what affects clinician decision making regarding AS in LRPCa emerged. It was underpinned by three broad themes: (i) clinician perception of patients' barriers and enablers; (ii) clinician perception of their own barriers and enablers; and (iii) engagement with healthcare team and resource availability.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians unanimously agree that AS is an evidence-based approach for managing LRPCa. Despite this many men do not undergo AS for LRPCa, which is due to the interplay of patient and clinician factors, and their interaction with the wider healthcare system. This study identifies strategies to mitigate barriers and enhance enablers, which could increase access to AS by patients with LRPCa.

Disease mapping: Geographic differences in population rates of interventional treatment for prostate cancer in Australia

BACKGROUND

Treatment decisions for men diagnosed with prostate cancer depend on a range of clinical and patient characteristics such as disease stage, age, general health, risk of side effects and access. Associations between treatment patterns and area-level factors such as remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage have been observed in many countries.

OBJECTIVE

To model spatial differences in interventional treatment rates for prostate cancer at high spatial resolution to inform policy and decision-making.

METHODS

Hospital separations data for interventional treatments for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy, low dose rate and high dose rate brachytherapy) for men aged 40 years and over were modelled using spatial models, generalised linear mixed models, maximised excess events tests and k-means statistical clustering.

RESULTS

Geographic differences in population rates of interventional treatments were found (p<0.001). Separation rates for radical prostatectomy were lower in remote areas (12.2 per 10 000 person-years compared with 15.0-15.9 in regional and major city areas). Rates for all treatments decreased with increasing socioeconomic disadvantage (radical prostatectomy 19.1 /10 000 person-years in the most advantaged areas compared with 12.9 in the most disadvantaged areas). Three groups of similar areas were identified: those with higher rates of radical prostatectomy, those with higher rates of low dose brachytherapy, and those with low interventional treatment rates but higher rates of excess deaths. The most disadvantaged areas and remote areas tended to be in the latter group.

CONCLUSIONS

The geographic differences in treatment rates may partly reflect differences in patients' physical and financial access to treatments. Treatment rates also depend on diagnosis rates and thus reflect variation in investigation rates for prostate cancer and presentation of disease. Spatial variation in interventional treatments may aid identification of areas of under-treatment or over-treatment.

Prostate-specific antigen testing for prostate cancer: Time to reconsider the approach to screening

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men in Australia. Men should be aware of the potential risk of significant prostate cancer despite the lack of symptoms. Screening for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been controversial. General practice guidelines can be confusing leading to men not being tested for prostate cancer. Reasons cited include overdiagnosis and overtreatment with associated morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to highlight the current evidence for PSA testing and advocate for updating outdated guidelines and resources.

DISCUSSION

Current evidence shows that a risk-stratified approach to PSA screening helps to assess that risk. Recent studies show improved survival rates with early intervention compared with observation/delayed treatment. Imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography, have made a significant difference in the management pathway. Biopsy techniques have progressed to minimise sepsis risk. Quality and patient-reported outcomes registry data highlight the increased use of active surveillance in patients with low to intermediate risk of prostate cancer, reducing treatment-associated harms in men with low risk of progression. There have also been improvements in medical therapeutics for advanced disease.

Modern Active Surveillance in Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review

The use of PSA screening has led to downstaging and downgrading of prostate cancer at diagnosis, increasing detection of indolent disease. Active surveillance aims to reduce over-treatment by delaying or avoiding radical treatment and its associated morbidity. However, there is not a consensus on the selection criteria and monitoring schedules that should be used. This article aims to summarize the evidence supporting the safety of active surveillance, the current selection criteria recommended and in use, the incidence of active surveillance, barriers existing to its uptake and future developments in patient selection.

Prevalence and sequelae of penile lichen sclerosus in males presenting for circumcision in regional Australia: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Background

Lichen sclerosus (LS) in men commonly involves the external genitalia, with up to 20% of these patients developing urethral stricture disease, and a small group developing malignant transformation to penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LS and its sequelae in males presenting for circumcision.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted at 8 hospitals within 3 Australian regional centres. We identified males who underwent circumcision between January 2004 and November 2018 and obtained histological and clinical data. Histopathological confirmation of LS was the primary outcome. Development of urethral stricture disease and penile cancer were secondary outcomes.

Results

Six hundred and eleven patients underwent circumcision, of which 313 (51.2%) had a specimen sent for histology. Of these, 199 (63.6%) had confirmed LS where the median age at diagnosis was 65 years [interquartile range (IQR), 40–77]. Even if the remainder of unsent specimens were free of LS, the prevalence would still be 32.6%. Amongst the patients with LS, 44 (22.1%) developed urethral strictures, 1 penile SCC (0.5%), and 1 penile intraepithelial neoplasia (0.5%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of LS in patients undergoing circumcision where the foreskin was sent for histopathological review was 63.6%. In those with LS, the prevalence of urethral stricture disease was 22.1%.

Poor Employment Conditions Adversely Affect Mental Health Outcomes Among Surgical Trainees

BACKGROUND

Poor mental health in junior clinicians is prevalent and may lead to poor productivity and significant medical errors. We aimed to provide contemporary data on the mental health of surgical trainees and identify risk factors relating to poorer mental health outcomes.

METHODS

A detailed questionnaire was developed comprising questions based on the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and Physical Activity Questionnaire. Each of the questionnaires has proven validity and reliability in the clinical context. Ethics approval was obtained from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The questionnaire was aimed at surgical registrars. We used Physical Activity Questionnaire, SF-36 scores and linear regression to evaluate the effect of putative predictors on mental health.

RESULT

A total of 83 responses were collected during the study period, of which 49 (59%) were from men and 34 (41%) were from women. The mean Mental Component Summary (MCS) score for both sexes was significantly lower than the population mean at ages 25-34 (p < 0.001). Poor satisfaction with one's work culture and a feeling of a lack of support at work were extremely strong predictors of a lower MCS score (p < 0.001). Hours of overtime worked, particularly unpaid overtime, were also strong predictors of a poorer score.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian surgical trainees reported lower MCS scores from the SF-36 questionnaire compared to the general population. Increasing working hours, unpaid overtime, poor job security, and job satisfaction were associated with poorer scores among trainees. Interventions providing improved working conditions need to be considered by professional training bodies and employers.

Incidental adrenal masses - A primary care approach

BACKGROUND

The common use of cross-sectional imaging for the investigation of abdominal and thoracic illness has resulted in the rise of the incidentally identified adrenal mass, or incidentaloma, which presents a diagnostic and management dilemma for the primary care physician.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a framework for the investigation and management of incidental adrenal masses.

DISCUSSION

Adrenal incidentalomas are found in approximately 3-4% of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. It is important to evaluate these incidental adrenal lesions to determine what treatment, if any, is needed and when specialist referral may be necessary. In particular, incidentalomas must be evaluated in regard to their functional status and malignant potential, as lesions can range from being indolent, benign and non-functioning tumours that can simply be observed, to aggressive and hormonally active malignant lesions that require urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical education and adult learning: Integrating theory into practice

Surgical education continues to evolve from the master-apprentice model. Newer methods of the process need to be used to manage the dual challenges of educating while providing safe surgical care. This requires integrating adult learning concepts into delivery of practical training and education in busy clinical environments. A narrative review aimed at outlining and integrating adult learning and surgical education theory was undertaken. Additionally, this information was used to relate the practical delivery of surgical training and education in day-to-day surgical practice. Concepts were sourced from reference material. Additional material was found using a PubMed search of the words: 'surgical education theory' and 'adult learning theory medical'. This yielded 1351 abstracts, of which 43 articles with a focus on key concepts in adult education theory were used. Key papers were used to formulate structure and additional cross-referenced papers were included where appropriate. Current concepts within adult learning have a lot to offer when considering how to better deliver surgical education and training. Better integration of adult learning theory can be fruitful. Individual teaching surgical units need to rethink their paradigms and consider how each individual can contribute to the education experience. Up skilling courses for trainers can do much to improve the delivery of surgical education. Understanding adult learning concepts and integrating these into day-to-day teaching can be valuable.

From humble beginnings … the evolution of the FRACS (Urology)

BACKGROUND

Surgery has a rich and colourful history dating as far back as, at least, the Neolithic period. There have been many advances in knowledge and technology, as well as changes to working conditions and public perception and expectations. The urology training programme is jointly managed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. Urological training in Australia and New Zealand has undergone a number of changes over the years.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed to find articles related to surgical training and, more specifically, urological training in Australia and New Zealand. The search terms that were used included 'urology training', 'surgical training', 'Australian urology history' and 'New Zealand urology history'.

RESULTS

This narrative review outlines the origin and history of this training programme and describes the changes that have led to the current model of urology training. It also relates some of the current and future challenges faced as the training programme continues to evolve in order to improve its ability to train future urologists to meet the needs of the community and to ensure public safety.

CONCLUSION

The urological training programme has evolved a number of times in order to tackle the challenges presented by evolving technology, community expectation and the needs of the trainee.

The Effect of Probe Position, Calf Muscle Function and Lipodermatosclerosis on Photoplethysmographic Venous Refilling Time

Objective:

To assess the influence of probe position, lipodermatosclerosis and method of calf muscle emptying on the venous refilling time as measured by photoplethysmography in both normal limbs and limbs with chronic venous disease.

Design:

Prospective evaluation of age- and sex-matched control and study groups.

Setting:

University Department of Surgery, Vascular Research Laboratory, Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia.

Patients:

There were 38 controls and 31 patients with venous ulceration.

Interventions:

Venous refilling times were measured in six positions on the leg in all subjects: the foot, 5 cm below medial tibial condyle in the upper calf, and in the gaiter region on the medial, lateral, anterior and posterior positions at 7.5 cm above the medial malleolus. Measurements were undertaken on active exercise and after bimanual calf compression in the medial gaiter region. Measurements were also undertaken in areas of lipodermatosclerotic skin and in normal-appearing adjacent skin.

Results:

In normal legs, the lowest refilling times were in the anterior and lateral gaiter positions. Venous patients had a shorter refilling time in the dorsal foot, medial gaiter, posterior gaiter and medial below-knee positions, when compared with controls (Mann–Whitney U-test, p<0.01). The shortest refilling time in patients with venous disease was in the medial gaiter region. Refilling time was slightly prolonged over Hpodermatosclerotic skin compared with adjacent normal-looking skin. Refilling time measured after passive emptying of the calf muscle by external compression was significantly prolonged compared with calf emptying by active calf compression ( p<0.01). This change was similar for both groups.

Conclusions:

When using venous refilling time on photoplethysmography to distinguish venous from normal limbs, the best separation is in the medial gaiter position. If other probe sites or methods of calf emptying are to be employed, it is imperative that individual laboratory normal ranges be established for the particular method being employed.

Three year results of the prostatic urethral L.I.F.T. study

INTRODUCTION

To report the three year results of a multi-center, randomized, patient and outcome assessor blinded trial of the Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) in men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At 19 centers in North America and Australia, 206 subjects = 50 years old with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥ 13, peak flow rate (Qmax) ≤ 12 mL/s, and prostate volume between 30 cc-80 cc were randomized 2:1 to the PUL procedure or sham control. PUL involved placing permanent UroLift implants into the lateral lobes of the prostate to enlarge the urethral lumen. After randomized comparison at 3 months, PUL patients were followed to 3 years. LUTS severity (IPSS), quality of life, Qmax, sexual function, and adverse events were assessed throughout follow up.

RESULTS

The therapeutic effect of PUL regarding IPSS was 88% greater than sham at 3 months. Average improvements from baseline through 3 years were significant for total IPSS (41.1%), quality of life (48.8%), Qmax (53.1%), and individual IPSS symptoms. Symptomatic improvement was independent of prostate size. There were no de novo, sustained ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction events and all sexual function assessments showed average stability or improvement after PUL. Fifteen of the 140 patients originally randomized to PUL required surgical reintervention for treatment failure within the first 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

PUL offers rapid improvement in voiding and storage symptoms, quality of life and flow rate that is durable to 3 years. Patients demonstrated a level of symptom relief that is associated with significant patient satisfaction. PUL, a minimally invasive procedure, is very effective in treating bothersome LUTS secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) and is unique in its ability to preserve total sexual function while offering a rapid return to normal physical activities.

Management of castration-resistant (advanced) prostate cancer (CRPC): rationale, progress and future directions

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most common solid organ cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australian men.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our review is to provide general practitioners with up-to-date information about castration resistance and hormonal dependence in prostate cancer. We summarise the current ongoing and completed clinical trials targeting hormonal pathways in metastatic prostate cancer.

DISCUSSION

The treatment paradigm of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has changed markedly in the past decade and new agents targeting androgen receptor pathways have been introduced. However, the biggest challenge for clinicians is to develop guidelines to integrate these agents into clinical practice.

Prostatic urethral lift: A minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The procedure may be performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia. The PUL procedure involves the delivery of implants that retract obstructing prostate lobes. Unlike other benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment options including pharmacological therapy, and the current invasive gold-standard transurethral resection of the prostate, the PUL procedure achieves quantifiable improvements in functional outcomes and quality of life, in the absence of major adverse events. Furthermore, improvement in LUTS may be attained while preserving erectile and ejaculatory function. Adverse effects associated with the PUL procedure are mild to moderate, and are transient in nature. The PUL procedure provides an alternative for men seeking treatment for bothersome LUTS, with fewer side-effects.

Durability of the Prostatic Urethral Lift: 2-Year Results of the L.I.F.T. Study

INTRODUCTION

For a therapy to become an important part of a provider armamentarium it must be safer or better than existing therapies and be durable. The prostatic urethral lift offers rapid improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia with minimal side effects. We report 2-year results of a multicenter, randomized, blinded trial of the prostatic urethral lift.

METHODS

A total of 206 men 50 years old or older with an AUA-SI of 13 or greater, a peak flow rate of 12 ml per second or less and a 30 to 80 cc prostate were randomized 2:1 between the prostatic urethral lift and sham treatment. The prostatic urethral lift is performed by placing permanent transprostatic implants to lift apart the prostate lobes and reduce urethral obstruction. Sham treatment entailed rigid cystoscopy, a blinding screen and sounds that mimicked those of the prostatic urethral lift procedure. Patients were assessed for lower urinary tract symptoms, peak flow rate, quality of life and sexual function.

RESULTS

The prostatic urethral lift reduced the AUA-SI 88% more than sham treatment (-11.1 vs -5.9, p = 0.003). Patients with the prostatic urethral lift experienced an AUA-SI reduction from 22.1 at baseline to 18.0 (-17%), 11.1 (-50%), 11.4 (-48%) and 12.5 (-42%) at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 and 2 years, respectively (p <0.0001). The peak flow rate was increased 4.2 ml per second at 3 months and 2 years (p <0.0001). By 2 years only 7.5% of patients required additional intervention for lower urinary tract symptoms. Adverse events were typically mild and transient. Encrustation did not develop on implants properly placed in the prostate. There was no occurrence of de novo sustained ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The prostatic urethral lift preserves sexual function and provides rapid improvement in symptoms, flow and quality of life that are sustained to 2 years.

Overactive bladder syndrome - management and treatment options

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder syndrome is a symptom-based clinical diagnosis. It is characterised by urinary urgency, frequency and nocturia, with or without urge urinary incontinence. These symptoms can often be managed in the primary care setting.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a review on overactive bladder syndrome and provides advice on management for the general practitioner.

DISCUSSION

Overactive bladder syndrome can have a significant effect on quality of life, and affects 12-17% of the population. Prevalence increases with age. The management of overactive bladder syndrome involves exclusion of underlying pathology. First line treatment includes lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training and antimuscarinic agents. Failure of conservative management necessitates urology referral. Second line therapies are more invasive, and include botulinum toxin, neuromodulation or surgical interventions such as augmentation cystoplasty or urinary diversion.

Nocturia--a guide to assessment and management

BACKGROUND

Nocturia is a common cause of sleep disturbance affecting up to 40% of the adult population.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a framework for the management of nocturia. Based on the frequency volume chart, nocturia can be divided into three categories: global polyuria, nocturnal polyuria and bladder storage disorders. Differentiating between these categories enables effective targeting of treatment.

DISCUSSION

Although nocturia is one of the most bothersome urinary symptoms, it has generally been poorly understood and managed. Aetiology is often multifactorial and includes systemic medical disease, lower urinary tract pathology, sleep disorders and behavioural and environmental factors.

Lower urinary tract symptoms - current management in older men

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms are a common problem in men and the incidence of these symptoms increases with age.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an update on the evaluation and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men. In particular, we describe current nomenclature, diagnosis, the International Prostate Symptom Score, and currently available medical and surgical treatments as well as indications for referral to a urologist.

DISCUSSION

Lower urinary tract symptoms may be divided into voiding and storage, and men may present with a combination of the two symptom groups. Voiding symptoms include weak stream, hesitancy, and incomplete emptying or straining and are usually due to enlargement of the prostate gland. Storage symptoms include frequency, urgency and nocturia and may be due to detrusor overactivity. In elderly men who present with lower urinary tract symptoms, indications for early referral to a urologist include haematuria, recurrent infections, bladder stones, urinary retention and renal impairment. In uncomplicated cases, medical therapy can be instituted in the primary care setting. Options for medical therapy include alpha blockers to relax the smooth muscle of the prostate, 5 alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate, and antimuscarinics to relax the bladder. The International Prostate Symptom Score is beneficial in assessing symptoms and response to treatment. If symptoms progress despite medical therapy or the patient is unable to tolerate medical therapy, urological referral is warranted.