Results of the European Basic Laparoscopic Urological Skills examination.
BACKGROUND
In 2011, the European Basic Laparoscopic Urological Skills (E-BLUS) examination was introduced as a pilot for the examination of final-year urologic residents.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we aimed to answer the following research questions: What level of laparoscopic skills do final-year residents in urology have in Europe, and do the participants of the E-BLUS pass the examination according to the validated criteria?


METHODS
Participants of the examination were final-year urology residents from different European countries taking part in the European Urology Residents Education Program in 2011 and 2012.


METHODS
The E-BLUS exam consists of five tasks validated for the training of basic urologic laparoscopic skills.


METHODS
Performances of the tasks were recorded on DVD and analysed by an objective rater. Time and number of errors made in tasks 1-4 were noted. Furthermore, all expert laparoscopic urologists were asked to score participants on a global rating scale (1-5) based on three items: depth perception, bimanual dexterity, and efficiency. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on prior training and laparoscopic experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Seventy DVD recordings were analysed. Most participants did not pass the time criteria on task 4 (90%), task 2 (85.7%), task 1 (74.3%), and task 5 (71.4%). Task 3 was passed by 84.3%. The overall quality score was passed by 64%. When combining time and quality, only three participants (4.2%) passed the examination according to the validated criteria. According to the questionnaire, 61% did not have the opportunity to train in laparoscopic skills.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the E-BLUS examination show that the level of basic laparoscopic skills among European residents is low. Although quality of performance is good, most residents do not pass the validated time criteria. Regular laparoscopic training or a dedicated fellowship should improve the laparoscopic level of residents in urology.
Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Electronic address: wmbrinkman@gmail.com.
Willem M
WM
Brinkman
Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Irene M
IM
Tjiam
Department of Urology, Medical Centre Alkmaar, The Netherlands; EMGO Institute, VU Medical Centre Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Barbara M A
BM
Schout
Department of Educational Development and Research, FHML, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Arno M M
AM
Muijtjens
Department of Urology, Catholic University Hospital of Leuven, Belgium.
Ben
B
Van Cleynenbreugel
Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Department of Educational Development and Research, FHML, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Evert L
EL
Koldewijn
Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
J Alfred
JA
Witjes
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003867:Depth Perception; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005060:Europe; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D009048:Motor Skills; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education*; D014741:Video Recording
Education; Laparoscopy; Minimal invasive urology; Training