[Joint logbook of the GeSRU, DGU, and BDU for "Urological Continuing Education": a milestone for urological continuing education in Germany].

Since the new Regulation on Continuing Education took effect, documentation of continuing education is obligatory. At the beginning of 2007, the German Society of Residents in Urology (GeSRU) together with the German Society of Urology (DGU) represented by Professor J. Fichtner initiated a project group with the goal of enhancing the transparency of urological continuing education, modernizing it, and implementing the new possibilities afforded by the new regulation on a nationwide level. Towards realizing this project, which was joined by the Federation of German Urologists (BDU) and the Working Group of Hospital Chiefs of Staff, a joint logbook was designed. In contrast to previously obtainable logbooks, the joint logbook offers, in addition to straightforward documentation of continuing education, a definitive, clear interview guide based on objective data analysis. It provides training in agreeing on sensible objectives, it contains a model curriculum in which continuing education can be systematically yet flexibly structured, and beyond the requirements needed for obtaining qualification as a specialist includes those entitling the physician to bill health insurance providers for urological services rendered as a private practitioner. The joint logbook is accepted as an all-in-one continuing education unit record by the medical associations, health insurance providers, and the European Board of Urology. It takes the form of a dual concept and is available in hard copy as a loose-leaf binder and in a constantly updated online version (http://www.germanresidents-urolog.de).