J Urol. 2024 Jun 17:101097JU0000000000004105. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004105. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To understand the general attitudes of pediatric urologists regarding the United States News and World Report rankings for Best Children’s Hospitals in Urology.
METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey study distributed via email to active and candidate members of the Societies of Pediatric Urology from October 2022 to December 2022. This anonymous survey was iteratively developed to contain multiple choice questions gathering information on demographics, personal interaction with the rankings system, and about attitudes towards the rankings across various domains.
RESULTS: Of the 515 members surveyed, 264 pediatric urologists responded to the survey for a response rate of 51%. There was representation from all sections of the American Urological Association and across all age categories and practice models. Overall, of the respondents, 71% disagreed that the rankings had led to improvements in care, and 75% disagreed that programs were reporting their data honestly. Additionally, 71% believed the rankings are inaccurate in reflecting patient outcomes. The majority (86%) of respondents stated they would support organized efforts to withdraw from the rankings. This was significantly different by ranking cohort, with 78% from top 10 programs endorsing withdrawal vs 89% from those programs not in the top 10.
CONCLUSIONS: Our survey found that most pediatric urologists would support efforts to withdraw from participating in the rankings and believe that programs are dishonest in reporting their data. The majority also do not believe a survey can adequately distinguish between programs. This highlights a clear need for a critical re-evaluation of the rankings.
PMID:38885535 | DOI:10.1097/JU.0000000000004105
