Trends of European School of Urology (ESU) training and resident education: an overview of 2 decades of EAU education programme.

Abstract

Background: Over the last 2 decades, various education and training programmes have been launched by the European School of Urology (ESU) on behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU) Education Office. These include e-learning platforms, in-person meetings, courses, podcasts, webinars, sub-specialisation meetings and the European Urology Resident Education Programme (EUREP), all of which aim to achieve standardisation in urological education (SISE) and training at the highest level.

Methods: Data from the last 2 decades of all ESU activities were collected by the EAU/ESU office and analyzed for attendance, geographical, gender and age trends. Demographic data on registrations and attendances at EUREP were also monitored and analysed. A descriptive analysis of participation and trends is provided.

Results: A total of 4750 participants have completed ESU courses (including guideline courses, specialization courses and webinar courses). Similarly, a total of 5958 trainees attended the EUREP from 2004 to 2022 of which the male: female ratio was 3.75:1. However, the proportion of females increased 3.5-fold from 10.7% in 2004 to 37.1% in 2022(p < 0.001). There is a growing interest in the meeting, with increasing registrations over this time (353 in 2004 to 599 in 2023, p < 0.001). The mean age of participants is constantly decreasing (32.6 years in 2004 to 31.54 in 2022), with a mean yearly decrease of -0.18% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: ESU courses have had increasing interest and participation from young urologists worldwide. During EUREP, while the trainee age has decreased, there has been a surge in the proportion of female trainees. ESU is providing all modes of education and training across the world with both virtual and in-person meetings and courses, which would help in the development and preparation of urologists of the future and provide the best patient care.