[Results of an investigation by questionnaire into interest in neuro-urology of urology residents]

[Management of neurogenic bladder patients in France: a survey carried out by the French-speaking neurourology study group (GENULF)]

OBJECTIVE

To design and run a survey aiming at investigating urologists' and physiatrists' clinical practices in France when managing neurogenic bladder patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three thousand one hundred and eighty questionnaires were sent to the members of four French societies involved in treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Questions were focused on consultations, clinical follow-up and patient management.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-four urologists and 109 physiatrists completed the questionnaire. The frequency of systematic follow-up differed between urologists (6 months) and physiatrists (12 months). Upper urinary tract imaging and systematic urodynamic follow-up were usually performed yearly. The latter was carried out by 56% urologists and 83% physiatrists. Urinary retention was essentially treated by intermittent catheterization. Less than 15% of urologists and physiatrists were treating bacteriuria. Symptomatic urinary infections were treated for 11 to 12 days (men) and for 8 to 9 days (women). To treat their patients, both specialists used self-catheterization education and botulinum toxin A injections.

CONCLUSION

Our survey showed differences in approach between urologists and physiatrists in the management of patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Their clinical practice was most of the time in line with national and international guidelines.

[CAPURO survey on quality of life of urologists in 2009]

BACKGROUND

The physician's well-being at work is more and more evaluated, but so far few studies have concerned the specialty of urology. The objective of this survey CAPURO was to explore the quality of the professional life of French urologists, to get their position about on going reforms and information about their extra professional activities.

METHODS

The duration of this survey conducted in 2009 was one month with a questionnaire of 25 questions available at the AFU congress and on the Internet site www.cap-uro.com.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-six urologists have answered the questionnaire. More than two of three urologists declared being satisfied of their work, especially private urologists. The mean duration of weekly work was 57hours with much time spent for activities not directly related to the care of patients, but judged useful to develop quality of care and evaluation of practices. Ninety percent of urologists declared not to have an easy access to the new techniques and 60% of them were interested by clinical research, but most of them didn't have the necessary resources. They declared to be satisfied by the continuous medical training, but they affirmed lacking of help to get accreditation. Oncology, benign hyperplasias of prostate, lithiasis and endourology were the main urological specialities exercised by urologists. A majority of French urologists seemed to be very anxious about the future, mainly because of on going reforms. A few numbers of urologists had extra professional activities.

CONCLUSION

In 2009, French urologists who participated in the survey CAPURO were mostly satisfied or very satisfied with their conditions of practice, but with some dissatisfaction justifying a real dialogue between health authorities and professionals.