European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis (EULIS) Consensus Statement on Simulation, Training, and Assessment in Urolithiasis

Abstract

Background: Simulation-based training offers an acceptable adjunct to the traditional mentor-apprentice model in helping trainees to traverse the early stages of the learning curve for ureteroscopy and percutaneous renal surgery. In addition, nontechnical skills are increasingly important in preventing adverse events in the operating room, and simulation-based training can be used for training in such skills. Incorporation of simulation into formalised, standardised, and validated curricula offers an applicable method for training residents.

Objective: To develop a curriculum for urolithiasis procedures incorporating technical and nontechnical skills training for implementation across Europe.

Design, setting, and participants: An international panel of experts from EULIS, EUREP, ESU and ESUT was consulted in five stages. The study incorporated a mix of qualitative and quantitative data for collection and analysis. Responses were drawn out in (1) an opinion survey and (2) a curriculum development survey, which were discussed in (3) a focus group meeting. Group responses from this meeting were analysed for themes, which were discussed at (4) a focus group meeting, where consensus was reached among the group. Data analysis and integration at this stage were used to draft the curriculum.

Results and limitations: All group meetings were transcribed from the focus group discussion. Eight themes were generated, into which all data were categorised. These were: need for a training curriculum; curriculum objectives; curriculum structure; curriculum content; teaching platforms and tools; assessment and certification; validation and implementation; and global integration of the curriculum. A curriculum, including recommended simulators for use, was subsequently proposed.

Conclusions: We propose a comprehensive curriculum for training in urolithiasis. Additional planning is required for full validation and implementation before it can be used to train residents.

Patient summary: Stone disease accounts for a major proportion of surgical interventions worldwide. We describe a consensus guideline for effective training of stone surgeons.

Keywords: Curriculum; Simulation; Training; Urolithiasis.