Advances in Medical Education and Practice (Oct 2020)

Study Habits of Urology Residents in Saudi Arabia: Identifying Defects and Areas for Curricular Development – A Trainee-Based Survey

  • Alkhamees M,
  • Al-Zahrani MA,
  • Almutairi S,
  • Alkanhal H,
  • Almuhaideb M,
  • Abumelha SM

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 11
pp. 707 – 715

Abstract

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Mohammad Alkhamees,1 Meshari A Al-Zahrani,1 Sulaiman Almutairi,1 Hammam Alkanhal,1 Mana Almuhaideb,2 Saad M Abumelha3– 5 1Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia; 2College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; 5College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mohammad AlkhameesDepartment of Urology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi ArabiaTel +966-554463808Fax +966-164042500Email [email protected]: This study evaluated the study habits of Saudi urology residents throughout their residency training. It examines the study time and quality of study materials used by Saudi urology residents and identifies ways to maximize study benefits.Patients and Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 152 registered residents in regions throughout Saudi Arabia (response rate: 93.4%). The questionnaire addressed study habits throughout training, motivations for studying, preferred study resources, impressions on teaching quality, study preparation methods, and exam preparedness among junior and senior residents.Results: Among all residents, 37.3% read for 2– 5 hours weekly. Juniors read significantly more than seniors (P = 0.034). Marital status affects seniors’ study habits (P = 0.029). For most seniors, preparation for the final board exam is the greatest motivation for studying (P = 0.006). The AUA/EAU guidelines were useful information source for seniors (P = 0.001). Fifty-four percent (54.4%) of residents felt that their residency program did not provide protected study time prior to the board exams. Moreover, the majority (64.8%) felt that the training program did not adequately prepare them for the board exams.Conclusion: We recommend that local program directors implement more effective teaching methods. Structured reading habits and specific study materials were found to be positive predictors of successful performance. Residents should also be educated in balancing working hours, social life, and study.Keywords: resident, study habits, Saudi Arabia, urology

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