Challenges facing the urologist in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Purpose

The challenges in providing urologic care across borders and in resource-constrained settings are poorly understood. We sought to better characterize the impediments to the delivery of urological care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs).

Methods

A 70 question online survey in RedCap™ was distributed to urologists who had practiced in countries outside of the United States and Europe categorized by World Bank income groups.

Results

114 urologists from 27 countries completed the survey; 35 (39%) practiced in HICs while 54 (61%) practiced in LMICs. Forty-three percent of urologists received training outside their home country. Most commonly treated conditions were urolithiasis (30%), BPH (15%) and prostate cancer (13%) which did not vary by group. Only 19% of urologists in LMICs reported sufficient urologists in their country. Patients in LMICs were less likely to get urgent drainage for infected obstructing kidney stones or endoscopic treatment for a painful kidney stone or obstructing prostate. Urologists visiting LMICs were more likely to cite deficits in knowledge, inadequate operative facilities and limited access to disposables as the major challenges whereas local LMIC urologists were more likely to cite financial challenges, limited access to diagnostics and support staff as the barriers to care.

Conclusions

LMICs lack enough training opportunities and urologists to care for their population. There is disconnect between the needs identified by local and visiting urologists. International collaborations should target broader interventions in LMICs to address local priorities such as diagnostic studies, support staff and financial support.