BJUI Knowledge combines online continuing professional development (CPD) content for urologists with a platform for recording all CPD activity in one place. This also makes it a useful resource for urological trainees. This article will outline how to use BJUI Knowledge and some of the potential benefits from the point of view of a urology trainee.
Background
Currently, there are around 200 interactive e-learning modules covering the breadth of urological practice, with more modules added each month. The modules are accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and are written by both UK and international urologists. Access is free for all BAUS members and the site can be used on a smart phone, tablet or desktop. The e-learning content is optimised to be viewed on any kind of device.
How to use
If you have already activated your account, go to www.bjuiknowledge.org to gain access. Just email support@bjuiknowledge.org if you have lost your account details. If you do not qualify for access through membership of BAUS, you can subscribe directly through the home page.
Figure 1.
The home page then displays sub-sections and the user can search by topic / sub-speciality or in the free text search box (Figure 1). It also highlights if a module has been added recently, whether the user has started or completed the module previously and allows modules to be saved to a ‘favourites’ section.
Each module has been developed by the editorial team and content developers to provide an educational resource for experienced urologists to keep up to date. As such all content is up-to-date, evidence-based and fully referenced.
The opening page of each module displays the title and authors. Once the module is opened, three or four clearly defined ‘learning objectives’ are displayed. This is followed by educational content, broken down into an easy to read format with pictures and diagrams highlighting key points. There are intermittent ‘knowledge checks’ with question and answer sections for the user to complete. The module finishes with some short ‘final assessments’ to reinforce learning covered in the module, usually based around a clinically relevant scenario. Finally, the module finishes with a summary of key learning points and closing the module on completion generates a CPD record.
Reasons to use
As a trainee there are a number of different reasons that the BJUI Knowledge resource may be useful.
1. Overview of a topic
There are modules to suit most learning needs. Topics range from practical guides such as how to approach an uncommon but important emergency problem like a ureteric injury (which can be difficult to gain experience in as a trainee) – see ‘Stepwise management of a damaged lower ureter’ – to more theoretical topics which cover the evidence base for important topics such as ‘the evidence for neoadjuvant chemo-therapy in muscle invasive bladder cancer’.
2. Revision for FRCS Urol
Since all modules are evidence based and the source manuscripts are peer-reviewed prior to publication they can also provide an excellent resource in preparation for the FRCS Urol exam. The easy to use layout makes reading heavy or complicated topics slightly more bearable and, as the modules can be easily accessed from a smart-phone, means that they can be used in spare minutes at work or on the bus / train. Modules do not have to be completed in one sitting and progress is saved to allow completion at a later date.
Additionally, if you prefer to download and print a full text version of the source manuscript there is the function to do this by clicking on the ‘references’ icon in the top right hand corner of each module, meaning that all important papers for a particular topic can be accessed easily. A PDF of the manuscript and the full list of references, linked to PubMed, are then generated.
3. ISCP learning agreement
As trainees rotate between hospitals each year, there is the annual chore of having to think of something innovative to write in the repetitive Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) learning agreement with your educational supervisor. Agreeing to complete a set number of BJUI Knowledge learning modules over the course of a year is an easy way to demonstrate ongoing CPD, especially with the easy to use functionality that allows you to download a summary of all modules completed within a date range.
4. ARCP
At the annual review of competence progression (ARCP) meetings at the end of each training year it can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate exposure to sub-speciality aspects of urology if they are not performed in your current hospital. Completing BJUI Knowledge modules in the relevant areas is an easy way to demonstrate that you have made some effort to address any gaps in your indicative numbers, knowledge or exposure.
Figure 2.
5. Surgical steps
Some continuing medical education (CME) modules specifically focus on the indications, evidence base and techniques for performing surgery (Figure 2). As a trainee having an easy to follow step-by-step guide is an invaluable refresher the evening before assisting with or performing an operation, for example see: ‘RCC – how to perform right-sided laparoscopic nephrectomy’.
6. Video library
Similarly, there has recently been the addition of a procedural video library which has predominantly video content on the operative steps of specific techniques such as ‘Robotic-assisted radical cysto-prostatectomy and intra-corporeal ileal conduit’.
7. Contribute to writing a module
Trainees can be involved with contributing to writing a module and may wish to speak to local supervisors to find out about any opportunities. Since CME modules are peer-reviewed and are assigned a digital object identifier (DOI) on publication they may be able to count to the research / authorship or teaching requirements expected for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
Documenting CPD
When a module is successfully completed, this automatically triggers the creation of a CPD record. As already mentioned, this may prove useful for inclusion in a trainee learning agreement or as evidence of proactively seeking further knowledge on a particular topic area. The CPD record function works well for keeping a log of all your activities which is helpful when preparing for your ARCP for trainees with a national training number, but may also be useful for those preparing for an interview or for ST3 urology national selection.
It is possible to export a record of your activity as an Excel chart, including any uploaded supporting evidence, and then edit it as necessary. Filters can be selected when generating these reports by parameters such as date and activity type. There is also an app (accessed from the CPD page) which makes it easy to add a record of any new activity from your mobile phone while on the move.
Figure 3.
Bookmarklet function
The ‘Bookmarklet’ is a function that can be saved to your internet browser which makes it very easy to create a CPD record of any other online reading or learning. The button is downloaded (Figure 3) and then whenever a journal paper or online CPD activity is undertaken this can be automatically recorded.
Feedback from consultant colleagues has indicated that this is a very easy and helpful facility to generate evidence for appraisal meetings and is something that, like it or not, is a necessary part of both trainee and consultant practice. Additional supporting information such as meeting certificates, course attendance or photos can also be easily uploaded.
Advantages of using BJUI Knowledge
Urologists using BJUI Knowledge have access to high quality e-learning that is written by UK and international experts, with contemporary reviews of a wide range of urological practice and topic areas. The easy to use and interactive interface means that updating your knowledge feels much easier than sitting down to read a traditional paper or textbook. The modules are of a manageable length, meaning that most can be completed in between 15 and 20 minutes, with progress automatically saved for completion later if you are interrupted. There is the added benefit of easily generating a record of your CPD too. This represents an excellent, free and high-quality resource for urologists and trainees that is available to full, associate and trainee BAUS members.
Acknowledgements
Ru MacDonagh, BJUI Executive Committee member & Urology Consultant, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton (for checking content for accuracy).
Nicola Quinnen, BJU International Chief Executive (for provision of images and checking content for accuracy).
