A survey of urological manpower, technology, and resources in Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the current status of manpower and resources is important in understanding the state of any medical specialty, and critical in planning for future recruitment, funding and infrastructure development. METHODS: In 2003, the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) conducted two nationwide surveys examining manpower, resources, and the technology available. One survey went only to academic and hospital leaders across the country (the resources survey), while the other was sent to the entire general membership of the CUA. RESULTS: The response rate for the resources survey was 67%, while that for the membership survey was 50.4%. The respondents' ages were evenly distributed, with the modal 5-year range being 51 to 55 years of age. Eighty-eight percent of respondents were Canadian-trained. Two-thirds of respondents spent over 80% of their practice time in direct patient care, and most practiced general urology. The majority of respondents practiced in smaller hospitals: 57.6% in centres with 300 or fewer inpatient beds, and 47.2% of centres reported < 500 procedures/year. Community hospitals (62% of responses to the resources survey) generally had fewer advanced technologies than academic centres. A quarter of the cystoscopy equipment used by respondents was over 15 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these surveys present a snapshot of the current state of urology resources and manpower across Canada, potentially allowing better planning and negotiations with hospitals and governments.

Canadian family physicians and prostate cancer: a national survey.

A sample of family physicians was randomly selected from the membership database of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Potential respondents were mailed a survey questionnaire, and a modified Dillman approach was utilized. A total of 964 completed questionnaires were received, providing a response rate of 50.1%. Although most family physicians were aware of many basic facts about prostate cancer, there were knowledge limitations related to risk factors, relative frequency of the disease (to other cancers), and selected aspects of PSA effectiveness. There was considerable variation in perceived effectiveness of early detection methods, with most physicians taking a conservative approach to PSA utilization. Most family physicians indicated that they have an important role to play in the care of men after they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They also expressed a high level of interest in obtaining additional information related to prostate cancer.