BJUI Knowledge is a new online educational platform for urologists. It combines online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through e-learning, with a platform for recording CPD activity. It was released in February 2016 and is free to access and use for BAUS members for a trial period until the end of June 2016.
The main page (www.bjuiknowledge.org) has links to a few highlighted topics such as ‘chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer’ or ‘surgical options for PUJ obstruction’. The majority of content can be accessed after signing up to the website and exploring the ‘My CPD’ section. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has accredited the e-learning CPD modules. Each review has been commissioned and written by authors with a genuine interest in the topic, and then subjected to independent peer review [1]. Currently, there are more than 60 CPD modules available, on a wide range of topics, and they have been grouped into sections covering the breadth of urological sub-specialities.
During this review, I took the opportunity to complete several CPD modules on a wide range of topics. The modules are relatively short and similar to the level of the FRCS (Urol) exam for each small topic review. To gain your CPD, a very brief assessment is carried out at the end of each section. All of the CPDs were relatively quick to complete and on finishing each module assessment, the completed CPD module is immediately and seamlessly added to your ‘My CPD record’ section. Reflection can be added later (recommended for all CPD activities) and you can record the type of CPD activity under a variety of headings such as personal, external, internal. Although not automatically classified as such, I believe the e-learning CPD modules would count as either external or personal in the CPD classification.
The site is optimised for access on any kind of device including a smartphone or tablet, but you need to be connected to the internet to get access to the CPD modules. Additionally, the BJUI Knowledge app is available for free download from Apple’s App Store (iOS, iPhone) and Google’s Play store (Android).
The BJUI Knowledge app provides a record of the CPD modules that you have completed and allows additional CPD activity, such as attendance at conferences or meetings, to be added and uploaded through your mobile or tablet device. CPD modules and additional activity can be stored and categorised through the website and exported annually for appraisal.
Unfortunately, at the present time, none of the CPD modules can be stored or accessed offline on your device. Currently, the app only provides a link to browse the internet through your device and does not directly link to the BJUI Knowledge website. I suspect the developers will rectify this in the near future.
In summary, the BJUI Knowledge website and apps provide a great educational platform for keeping up to date with the latest developments in urology and recording CPD activity. The site is currently expanding to cover the entire urology curriculum. I hope that the site finds a way to maintain the excellent quality, whilst continuing to provide a free educational platform. I have no hesitation in recommending the BJUI Knowledge resource to all urologists and allied health professionals.
Reference
1. BJUI Knowledge – CPD on the move [Internet]. BJUI 2016 (cited 15 Mar 2016).
Accessed from:
www.bjuinternational.com/
bjui-blog/bjui-knowledge
-cpd-on-the-move
