The integral co-management role of the medical pediatric urologist: Improving the care of children with urological conditions.

Abstract

Introduction: The complexities of modern medicine prompt a re-evaluation of traditional patient care models to enhance safety and quality. We implemented a one-year pilot Medical Pediatric Urology fellowship, jointly developed by Urology and Pediatric Hospital Medicine, where a pediatrician received postgraduate training in both specialties. This innovative program aimed to augment knowledge and expertise in non-surgical aspects of pediatric urology. Upon completion of the fellowship, the trained pediatrician assumed the role of medical pediatric urologist (MPU), integrating into both Pediatrics and Urology faculties. Unlike the traditional specialist consultation model, the MPU became integral member of the Urology Division, working full-time and sharing responsibilities for both inpatient and outpatient pediatric urology care at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Canada.

Objective: This study aims to delineate the training curriculum, role, clinical outcomes, and educational impact of the MPU over eight years.

Study design: We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes, including patient volumes seen annually by MPU, urologists, and nurse practitioners from 2021 to 2023. Clinic wait times and patient satisfaction were compared between MPU's community and tertiary hospital pediatric urology clinics. Educational impact was assessed through pediatric residents' ratings for the MPU as a clinical teacher during urology rotations using a Likert scale.

Results: Integration of MPU led to the establishment of specialized clinics, including those for neurogenic bladder and posterior urethral valves. MPU accounted for approximately 34.7 % of all outpatient clinic visits. Subjective feedback highlighted enhanced quality of care with MPU co-management in the inpatient setting. Additionally, in a community-based medical urology clinic (CUC) staffed by the MPU and a pediatric urology nurse practitioner, patients experienced shorter wait times and higher satisfaction (53 ± 36 days and 194 ± 108 days) (p < 0.01), with 97 % vs. 91 % of families reported feeling highly satisfied with care (p < 0.01) compared with hospital clinics, respectively. The MPU received ratings of 4/5 or 5/5 as a clinical teacher from 81.82 % of pediatric residents.

Discussion: Our novel co-management approach in pediatric urology integrates medical and surgical expertise. However, limitations include the retrospective design and single-center setting. Nonetheless, this framework presents a potential model for other surgical specialties, offering a unique practice niche for trainees interested in the medical management of surgical conditions.

Conclusion: The medical pediatric urologist plays a pivotal role as an educator, hospitalist, and director of the outpatient clinic, effectively integrating medical and surgical expertise. The MPU model is promising for optimizing safety and quality of care in pediatric urology.