Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To understand the residents' perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents. In the survey, Online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that Online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues.

CONCLUSIONS

An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe Online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over.

Urolithiasis in pregnancy: Advances in imaging modalities and evaluation of current trends in endourological approaches

OBJECTIVE

Given the challenges involved in diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with urolithiasis, we aim to review the imaging modalities and current endourological management of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a review of the available literature on urolithiasis in pregnancy. This included evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic options. The databases we searched from included Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 346 abstracts were screened. After our inclusion/exclusion criteria were met, we were left with 42 sources: 18 retrospective studies, 10 reviews/meta-analyses, 8 sets of guidelines, 5 randomized control trials, and 1 prospective cohort.

RESULTS

We begin our review with the literature available on the safety and efficacy of imaging modalities in the surgical planning for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This includes renal ultrasound, abdominal x-ray, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. While computed tomography may result in an added radiation exposure, with possible safety concerns, magnetic resonance imaging seems to be safer, however a less sensitive test. We next describe safety, efficacy, and outcomes of various surgical interventions for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This encompasses ureteral stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ureteroscopy is a safer approach, but percutaneous nephrolithotomy offers higher stone-free rates. Using an evidence-based approach, we propose an algorithm for management of the pregnant women with renal colic.

CONCLUSION

Management of the pregnant women with suspected urolithiasis is a unique challenge for healthcare providers. A multi-disciplinary approach should be taken to optimize outcomes through an evidence-based approach.

LA EDUCACIÓN QUIRÚRGICA EN LÍNEA IMPLEMENTADA EN LOS PROGRAMAS DE RESIDENCIA UROLÓGICA COMO RESPUESTA AL COVID-19: ESTUDIO PILOTO

Objetivo

Comprender la percepción de los residentes respecto a los sistemas de aprendizaje en línea, los cuales, impulsados por la pandemia de la COVID-19, han sido recientemente implementados a nivel nacional en los programas de residencia urológica acreditados. Adicionalmente, nos proponemos analizar su sostenibilidad tras la era de la pandemia.

Material y métodos

Se diseñó una encuesta para, a través de los coordinadores y directores de programas de urología, difundirla a los residentes de urología.

En la encuesta, los modelos de educación en línea englobaron cualquier forma de educación recibida por los residentes que se diera en línea. Las encuestas anónimas se exportaron de Survey Monkey y se analizaron los datos para determinar la significación estadística.

Resultados

Más del 70% de los residentes de urología estuvieron de acuerdo, o mostraron una actitud neutral, ante la afirmación de que los modelos de educación en línea eran equivalentes al aprendizaje presencial. Solo el 13% de los residentes afirmaron que el aprendizaje en línea no debería continuar tras la pandemia. Se evaluaron diversos parámetros, y solo 5 de ellos mostraron significación estadística. El estrés, el compromiso personal, la eficacia de la comunicación interpersonal y las señales no verbales fueron más bajos para los modelos de educación en línea. El único aspecto al que los residentes dieron mayor puntuación fue el de los problemas de conectividad a una red.

Conclusiones

La gran mayoría de los residentes de urología en Estados Unidos cree que los modelos de educación en línea deben mantenerse una vez terminada la pandemia.