Title : How to keep your resident doctors happy; A departmental improvement project
Abstract:
Introduction: Urology is a challenging specialty for Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors, as it is often under-represented in undergraduate curricula and has limited overlap with other disciplines. At our tertiary centre, many FY1s reported difficulty adapting to the pace and demands of the urology department. This project aimed to improve self-assessed preparedness by developing an electronic handbook (E-Handbook) outlining common urological presentations, their management, and unit-specific operational practices.
Methods: A baseline questionnaire was distributed to FY1s who had already completed a urology rotation to assess experiences prior to the intervention (Cohort A). Using survey findings and feedback from outgoing FY1s, an E-Handbook was developed and approved by consultants. The handbook was circulated to incoming FY1s (Cohort B) two weeks before their rotation, followed by a post-rotation survey assessing preparedness, confidence, and ease of transition.
Results: Before implementation, 80% of Cohort A felt departmental induction could be strengthened and that a handbook would have supported their transition. The mean preparedness score was 1.8 out of 5. After introduction of the E-Handbook, 100% of FY1s reported it was useful and aided rapid adaptation to ward responsibilities. Doctors described clearer understanding of role expectations, increased confidence in clinical decision-making, and improved awareness of escalation pathways. The mean preparedness score increased to 4.7 out of 5, and respondents provided constructive suggestions for future revisions.
Conclusions: Introducing a structured, department-specific handbook significantly improved preparedness and facilitated faster integration into clinical duties. This low-cost intervention enhanced confidence, clarified expectations, and improved overall satisfaction with the rotation.
