After a 5-year hiatus, the AUA relaunched the Data Research Program (formerly AUA Data Grants) to provide aspiring researchers with AUA data and statistical services with dual goals to expand data access to AUA members and promote data-driven pursuits in advocacy, policy, and research. This article is the first in a series that will highlight the award recipients and projects. For the 2024 cycle, the Data Research Program (DRP) considered 43 proposals, awarding 6. This year’s awardees include a resident, a fellow, and 4 early-stage investigators. Collectively, these awardees will tackle a wide breadth of workforce issues and clinic areas of inquiry using AUA Census and AQUA Registry data. In addition to AUA data and statistical services, awardees will also receive a small stipend to offset publication costs. The next DRP application cycle is now open. More details on how to apply are available at auanet.org/dataresearchprogram. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, and we encourage all members to consider applying for the next cycle!

AUA CENSUS DATA PROJECTS

Emily Huang, MD

Urology Resident, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas
Co-Investigator: Kathleen Kobashi, MD, MBA, FACS

Project Title: Generation Gaps in the Urology Workforce: An Analysis of Intergenerational Differences in Demographics, Practice Characteristics, Integration of Technology, and Wellness

Drs Huang and Kobashi will investigate the differences in outlooks between urologists across generations on work-life balance, finances, technology, and work values. For the first time, there will be 5 generations of urologists working side by side: traditionalists (born 1928-1945), baby boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), millennials (1981-1996), and Generation Z (1997-2012). This study will shed light on evolving perspectives, motivations, and priorities of urologists from various generations, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of how generational differences may impact the field of urology.

Kevin Koo, MD, MPH, MPhil

Associate Professor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Co-Investigators: Candace F. Granberg, MD; Gina M. Badalato, MD

Project Title: Longitudinal Assessment of Planned and Unplanned Workforce Attrition Among Urologists and Urology Trainees

Drs Koo, Granberg, and Badalato will study urologists’ attitudes toward career duration and retirement age and the factors that influence planned and unplanned workforce attrition. The growing need for urological care of an aging US population has raised concerns about the size of the urology workforce. Several recent factors may have accelerated workforce attrition, including the COVID-19 pandemic, higher costs of practice, increased professional burnout, and rapid market consolidation. This study will characterize the planned and actual retirement age over the past decade, with a focus on demographic, economic, and practice-related factors, and individual-level changes over time.

Parth Modi, MD, MS

Assistant Professor, The University of Chicago, Illinois Co-Investigator: Susanne Quallich, PhD

Project Title: Advanced Practice Providers and Procedural Care in Urology

Drs Modi and Quallich will study the relationships between advanced practice provider (APP) job characteristics, performance of urologic procedures, and job satisfaction or burnout. From 2015 to 2022, the proportion of urologists working with an APP increased from 63% to 82%. Despite this growth, there are no standard roles for APPs within urologic care teams. As job autonomy is an established predictor of job satisfaction for APPs, independent performance of procedures may be similarly valued by urologic APPs. This study will examine factors associated with independent performance of procedures by APPs and resulting relationships with professional outcomes including job satisfaction, compensation, and burnout.

Michael E. Rezaee, MD, MPH

Urologic Oncology Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland Co-Investigator: Christian Pavlovich, MD

Project Title: Examining Regional Variation in Prostate Biopsy Practices in the United States

Drs Rezaee and Pavlovich will characterize the use of different prostate biopsy techniques and assess for regional variation across the US. The AUA and European Association of Urology guidelines for prostate biopsy differ. The AUA does not take a firm stance on the recommended approach to biopsy (ie, transrectal or transperineal) or whether MRI-fusion methods should be prioritized. In contrast, the EAU recommends transperineal over transrectal biopsy due to reportedly lower infection risk and higher sensitivity for detecting prostate cancer. The EAU also recommends an MRI prior to biopsy and the use of MRI-fusion methods for any PI-RADS ≥3 lesions. The discordance between major guidelines can result in unwarranted variation and inconsistent practices. This study will evaluate urologist and practice factors associated with the use of specific prostate biopsy techniques.

AQUA REGISTRY DATA PROJECTS

Michelle Van Kuiken, MD

Assistant Professor of Urology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

Project Title: Understanding Practice Patterns and Utilization of Third-Line Therapies for Overactive Bladder and Storage LUTS: Trends From the AUA AQUA Registry

Dr Van Kuiken will assess how factors such as insurance type, geographic location, and provider characteristics may impact patient access to third-line (or advanced) therapies for overactive bladder (OAB). Additionally, the study will focus on how men with OAB and storage LUTS progress though the OAB treatment pathway, considering concomitant BPH diagnoses and treatment. Overactive bladder is a prevalent condition commonly encountered by urologists. Despite its prevalence, numerous studies have demonstrated low rates of utilization of third-line therapies, with even lower utilization rates in men. This study will aim to uncover important trends which could serve as targets for future study and interventions.

Kevin Michael Wymer, MD

Assistant Professor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Co-Investigators: Mitchell Humphreys, MD; Kevin Koo, MD, MPH, MPhil; Aaron Potretzke, MD

Project Title: Management Patterns for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Analysis of Patient and Provider Factors That Drive Treatment Selection in the United States

Drs Wymer, Humphreys, Koo, and Potretzke will evaluate patient and provider factors impacting BPH surgical utilization. Overall, 2%-5% of patients with BPH undergo surgical intervention. For surgical management, a multitude of ever-expanding treatment options exist, each associated with varying effectiveness, durability, and complication profiles. However, direct comparisons, specifically regarding durability, are limited to small trials. This study will evaluate the role of demographics, resource availability, and clinical predictors on relative use and treatment selection for BPH, and surgical durability.