Training

Welcome to the BSUG Training Subcommittee webpage. Our mission is to improve standards of training and assessment in urogynaecology. We aim to achieve our goals by liaising with the relevant RCOG committees on matters pertaining to urogynaecology. We welcome members contacting us with suggestions and comments on training. We will provide urogynaecology educational updates on this webpage.

Training Subcommittee Update

Recent developments

The main focus of the committee’s activity in 2010 has been liaison with the RCOG on curriculum development for a new ATSM in urogynaecology. The new curriculum takes a broader view of the subspecialty, combining the current urogynaecology and benign vaginal surgery modules, and will be introduced with other revised ATSM curricula from August 2011. The new curriculum is now available on the RCOG website. Trainees already registered for the current ATSM will have the option to convert to the new curriculum.

Training statistics

Subspecialty Training

As of June 2010 there were 16 approved subspecialty training centres and 18 approved programmes in the UK. There are 11 trainees registered for urogynaecology SST and a further 37 who have already completed RCOG subspecialty training programmes (June 2010). A recent survey of new consultant appointments indicates that less than 50% of those that complete subspecialty training in urogynaecology are appointed as a subspecialist in urogynaecology; this position is very different from other subspecialties.

ATSM Training

The committee are keen to establish figures for ATSM training and to have a list of urogynaecology ATSM preceptors, clinical supervisors and trainees. We plan to establish a register. Please check your regional statistics regularly and contact us to advise on errors.

Future developments

We aim to develop e-learning packages in urogynaecology and review workplace-based clinical assessment.

Registering for Training

How do I register for ATSM training in urogynaecology?

Trainees should seek career advice from their educational supervisor, deanery ATSM director and urogynaecology ATSM preceptor in their region. They should discuss their ATSM preferences and rotations within their region. STs should plan their ATSM options during year 4 which should be documented on their ARCP on conclusion of year 4. During year 5 they should make arrangements for ATSM training and confirm their rotation commencing at the end of year 5.

For advice on RCOG regulations for ATSM Training, please click here.

How do I register for subspecialty training in urogynaecology?

Trainees should seek career advice from their educational supervisor and the urogynaecology subspecialty training programme director or urogynaecology subspecialist within their region.

For advice on regulations for SST in urogynaecology, please click here.

What is the difference between subspecialty training and ATSM in urogynaecology?

Subspecialty training programmes are a minimum of 3 years incorporating a 12month period of research. Trainees with research exemption are expected to complete a minimum of 2 years clinical training. Details of criteria for research exemption can be found here. In addition to research experience, subspecialty trainees will be expected to complete basic science training and modular attachments in related specialties. By virtue of the duration and nature of subspecialty training, SSTs should progressively develop skills that will enable them to manage recurrent and complex cases of pelvic floor dysfunction.

ATSM trainees will be expected to spend at least 2 sessions /week in urogynaecology. The remainder of their time will be spent undertaking general training in obstetrics and gynaecology. ATSM trainees will develop a more general skill base in obstetrics and gynaecology in addition to acquiring the competencies required to manage primary cases of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

RCOG Curricula

Subspecialty Training

For the curriculum for subspecialty training, please click here.

ATSM Training

For the 2010 curriculum for ATSM training, please click here.

Workplace-based Assessments

Both SST and ATSM trainees are expected to complete workplace-based assessments contemporaneously which demonstrate progression towards full competency in the skills required for signing off completion of training.

Trainees should download generic mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise and OSATs for colposuspension, mid-urethral tape, vaginal hysterectomy and anterior colporrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, cystoscopy, sacrospinous fixation, sacrocolpopexy and urodynamics.

To download mini-CEX and OSATs, please click here.

Urodynamics Training

Urogynaecology subspecialty and ATSM trainees are expected to receive training in dual channel subtracted cystometry. A curriculum for training in all types of urodynamics is outlined in the ‘Joint statement on minimum standards for urodynamics practice in the UK’.

There are 6 modules outlining minimum skills required for six types of urodynamics investigation:

A1 (female) and A2 (male) basic cystometry

Module B (Videourodynamics)

Module C (Urodynamics in neuropathic patients)

Module D (Ambulatory urodynamics)

Module E (Urodynamics in children)

A trainee undertaking an ATSM would be expected to complete A1(female) and SST would be expected to have completed A1 and have had experience of B, C and D.

To download the minimum standards curriculum for training in urodynamics, please click here.

Trainees are expected to attend a theoretical course, in addition to practical experience acquired through regular attendance at urodynamics clinics.

Current BSUG Training Subcommittee

Ms Lucia Dolan
Chair of Training Subcommittee
Belfast City Hospital

	John Bidmead King’s College Hospital, London		Ms Angie Doshani University of Leicester
	Ms Fiona Marsh St James’s University Hospital, Harrogate		Ms Swati Jha Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield
	Mr Simon Jackson John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford		Mr Dudley Robinson Kings College Hospital, London
	Gopalan Vijaya St Mary's Hospital, London