New Orleans, LA, May 17, 2015 - The presence of medical residents has a positive impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction and quality of life levels, according to a new study presented during the 110th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). The research will be highlighted by study authors during a special press conference. John Lacy MD, chief resident in Urology at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, will moderate the session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on May 17, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. CT.

Being involved in patient care and surgical procedures is an integral part of resident training. In the study, researchers from Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL assessed patient and physician satisfaction levels and outcomes based on urologic procedures completed by attending surgeons working with urology residents from January 2010 to December 2011, compared to the same surgeons working without urology residents for a two-year period.

Study Details
Publication Number: MP27-06

Although extended operating room time and re-admittance rates were recorded, both patient and attending surgeon satisfaction rates significantly increased with resident involvement. Researchers examined data from 2,243 urologic cases covering six urologic procedures. Of these, 1,015 were in the pre-resident period (839 surgical, 176 non-surgical) and 1,228 were in the post-resident period (960 surgical, 268 non-surgical). Results showed:

• The length of time spent in the operating room during surgery increased between six and 72 minutes with resident involvement, however no impacts on complications were recorded. Additionally, both surgical and non-surgical re-admission rates slightly increased.
• Patient satisfaction scores were higher in every category with the presence of residents, and patients were more likely to report they &lsquo,always' received quality care (78.6 percent versus 82.5 percent).
• Faculty perceptions of job satisfaction, quality of life, and perception of patient care were all substantially improved with the inclusion of residents.

"This study further supports the benefit of resident support within the health delivery system, not only among patients but also among attending physicians," explains Dr. Lacy. "These findings demonstrate the importance of increasing resident education programs in hospitals across the country."

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss this study outside normal briefing times. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact the AUA Communications Office at 443-909-0839 or email cfrey@AUAnet.org.

About the American Urological Association: The 110th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association takes place May 15-19 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 21,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

Contact:
Christine Frey, AUA
443-909-0839
cfrey@auanet.org