What makes a good doctor, patient, and consultation?

The many facts of quality urological care
For years, questions of how to improve examinations and therapy, and how to provide more diagnostics and therapy were our primary concerns. We believed that more diagnostics and offering the latest and most expensive therapy would lead to better health and an improvement in the patient’s satisfaction. The more the better, we thought. However, in the last few years, we have seen a signifi cant change in goals set in our profession.

Nowadays, the focus on improving overall survival gives way to enhancing quality of life. Due to limited resources, we have to reconsider strategic choices for individual patients and at times, for a whole population. Moreover, we recognise that the quality of urological care extends beyond medical expertise, efficiency, and technical skills. It also involves patient-centred care, empathy, information, and environmental awareness. These soft skills are often more benefi cial when choosing a doctor or a clinic than technical qualities or lower complication rates.

Although currently discussed to a limited extent, the environmental sustainability of our work will become increasingly important. In the coming years, we will need to address this which will lead to a shift in the thinking similar to the changes seen in discussions about therapy tolerance and quality of life. Limited resources and the end of unrestricted consumption will compel us to reconsider our approach. Therapy guidelines and algorithms will need to take environmental sustainability, energy effi ciency, and carbon footprint into account. While, if at all, clinics have been concerned about the sustainability of their actions, this question will increasingly fi nd its way into everyday practice. Reflection and action are urgently needed, even on the smallest of issues.

The interactive EAU25 session provides a rare opportunity to explore the various insights from doctors, patients, nurses, and the public, aiming to foster learning and collaboration. The programme combines theoretical concepts with practical advice that can already be implemented in your clinical practice.

What makes a good doctor?
The first part of this special session addresses a fundamental question: what defines a “good doctor”? It will investigate the balance between general knowledge and specialisation. Many practices face the dilemma of whether a physician with a broad set of skills or focused expertise is more effective. What would you prefer: a generalist or a highly specialised physician? What are the trade-offs?

The session will also examine the diverse roles of a doctor as a team member, leader, and/or manager. It will underscore that a good doctor not only needs to excel in medical skills but also in teamwork and leadership. Is empathy and the skill of listening more important than technical properties?

A particularly valuable element in this discussion will be the perspective of nurses. Their insights into qualities they value in doctors — such as communication skills, availability, and respect — offer doctors a chance to refi ne their approach. This improved collaboration ultimately enhances patient care. Attendees will be invited to share their experiences and examples of practical approaches.

What makes a good patient?
The patient’s role in healthcare is just as critical as the doctor’s. In the second part of the session to be led by Patient Office vice-chair Michael van Balken (NL), the concept of the “good patient” is explored. What can be expected of patients? Many outpatient clinics are organised around diagnoses, but patients typically see a urologist with symptoms rather than a diagnosis. This distinction between new patients with symptoms and those with a confi rmed diagnosis provides food for thought on how consultations can be structured more effectively.

Another key question in this session will include who leads a consultation, the doctor or the patient? The session will touch on the growing importance of shared decision-making in modern healthcare. Additionally, the discussions will cover how patients can best prepare for consultations, which not only improves effi ciency in clinical practice, but also strengthens the patient-doctor relationship. Is there a role for artificial intelligence (AI) here? This part of the session offers healthcare professionals concrete tools to better guide patients in their role, leading to higher satisfaction for both parties and better outcomes overall.

What makes a good consultation?
The third topic of the session is optimising the consultation process itself. Patient representative Robert Cornes (GB) will moderate this part of the session, wherein innovative ideas such as integrating AI into patient records, will also be discussed. AI can reduce administrative burdens while improving decision-making quality. However, issues of data security and data sovereignty of the patient often conflict with the fast and free flow of electronic processing.

Pre-consultation questionnaires will also be scrutinised. Are they reliable? How much time do they save (or cost) doctors and patients? And how effective is the use of collected information? The flow of information will be another point of discussion. At present, considerable data in the healthcare system is transferred manually and on paper. Electronic data transmission may be an increasingly common practice, but is there a limit to that? Again, securing the exchange of electronic data is not as easy as hoped. Furthermore, duplicate examinations, queries about examination results, and research not only cause costs, but also harm the environment through energy consumption. It remains to be seen whether changes such as the electronic patient file, which is currently being introduced in Germany this year but already common practice in other parts of Europe, will bring improvement or additional effort and bureaucracy.

Efficiency in consultations will be another key topic. The concept of a “one-stop shop” (i.e., multiple care activities are combined in one visit) will be evaluated from both the doctor’s and the patient’s perspectives. How much information can a patient realistically absorb in one visit?

The future lies not only in the individualisation of medicine but also in the individualisation of intervals, procedures, and consultations. Small medical offices can react and change much faster than larger organisations such as hospitals. However, the will to change must come first. The potential of teleconsultations to improve accessibility and effi ciency will also be explored. For urologists aiming to modernise their practice, this discussion promises valuable insights and inspiration.

Sustainability in the urology practice
Unfortunately, environmental compatibility, carbon footprint, and sustainability are some of the considerations that still play a minor role in scientific discussions and education in our field today. To change this, the final topic of the session entitled “Office practice and environmental burden: What could we change?” to be led by medical sustainability expert Dr. Annemarie Leliveld-Kors (NL), will address these topics. Rather than abstract future concepts, the presentations will centre on practical tips for today and tomorrow. How can a urology practice reduce its ecological footprint and costs without compromising quality?

Practical solutions such as minimising single-use materials and optimising logistics to avoid redundant tests will be discussed. Do we really need sterile gloves for routine cystoscopy? What are the real-world experiences with the reusable intermittent catheters? How many drapes do we actually need to perform an operation safely? How many disposables do we truly require in our daily practice? The session will provide the opportunity to discuss it with an international forum and audience. Teleconsulting is a way of reducing environmental burden and travel time. Are there any cons? Using AI to personalise follow-up schedules and make them more efficient will also be discussed during this session.

The aforementioned topics align with the growing responsibility of healthcare providers to contribute to environmental protection. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas—big or small—to create a more sustainable and patient-friendly practice. If you dare (and are allowed by your hospital rules) to innovate, you will be able to lessen one or two bags of waste per day after attending this session.

Why you should join this session
What sets this session apart is its wide range of topics and perspectives. The programme combines scientific insights with practical solutions, focusing on both patient care and operational improvements. The multidisciplinary nature — featuring input from doctors, patients, nurses, and the audience — ensures a rich and nuanced discussion.

For every urologist looking to elevate their practice, this session will offer valuable insights. Whether it is enhancing teamwork, streamlining consultations, or contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system, attendees will gain practical and actionable ideas. It is an investment in the present and the future of your practice and the satisfaction of both patients and staff.

By attending this session, you will take a step toward creating a more patient-centred, efficient, and sustainable urology practice. This programme is valuable and essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

——-

Friday, 21 March 12:00 – 13:00
What could you change today in your office to have a better urology practice tomorrow?
Purple Area, Room 4