Interns' assessment and management of three common urological conditions: a survey of their knowledge and skills. Are they adequately prepared for clinical practice?

AIMS: To assess interns knowledge and skills on three common urological conditions: prostate assessment, acute urinary retention, and urinary tract infection.
METHODS: This study (in NSW, Australia) involved the distribution of prospective anonymous questionnaires to all interns during their orientation week at the beginning of their internship, and again following 6 months of clinical rotations. The questionnaires comprised of three main areas: education on digital rectal examination, management of acute urinary retention, and management of urinary tract infection.
RESULTS: The majority of recent graduates have poor knowledge and skills in assessment of digital rectal examination (DRE) as well as management of acute urinary retention and urinary tract infection. However following 6 months of clinical rotations, the majority of interns are able to perform more than five DREs and urinary catheterisations. Interns also gained greater insights and are able to exercise valued judgment in the management of urinary retention and urinary tract infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Graduating interns are inadequately prepared on assessment and management of common urological conditions. Valuable experiences are gained during clinical training and structured internship education sessions, as evident by the greatly improved result after 6 months of the internship.