Prep-U: A Novel Urology Preparatory Course For Urology Residents In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The transition from the first year of urology residency (PGY1) to the second year (PGY2) is overwhelming
for most residents due to their sudden involvement in decision-making regarding urology patients after only general
surgical training during PGY1. Therefore, this study tested the effectiveness of a newly developed one-day Preparatory
Urology (Prep-U) training course among second-year urology residents in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: Urology residents from different regions participated in our Prep-U course over the 3-year study
period at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two surveys were given to all participants following
completion of the course and 9 months after urology training (PGY2). Our outcomes included participants’ satisfaction
with the course, its content, and speakers’ experience.
Results: A total of 117 completed the first survey, a response rate of 90.7%. Most (90.6%) were satisfied with the course
overall, consistent with their satisfaction with the content (94.0%) and speakers’ experience (94.8%). The majority
(95.7%) felt that the course added value to their urology training. During the 9-month assessment period, 92 respondents
(85.9%) found the knowledge acquired during the course very helpful, 72.8% reported that the course helped them
maintain their mental wellbeing, and 39.11% found the skills acquired from the course very helpful on beginning urology
training.
Conclusion: A significant need exists for an annual urology preparatory course before the beginning of training. This will
have a positive outcome on residents’ training, confidence, and mental wellbeing.