The scope of private practice amongst consultant urologists in the UK and Ireland – a BAUS Workforce survey

Abstract

Introduction:

A 2012 workforce survey of consultant members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) found that up to 75% of members participated in private practice. This survey specifically addresses the scope of private practice and members’ attitudes towards the private health industry (PHI).

Methods:

An online survey of all consultant members of BAUS was undertaken in May 2013. Questions were asked about how many had a private practice, how much time they devoted to it, about their relationship with insurers and their expectation of BAUS’s role within private health care.

Results:

A total of 47.2% responded to the survey, of whom 76.3% have a private practice. Among the respondents, 73.6% work as individual practitioners and 61% spend <6 hours a week practicing clinically. Adverse relationships with the PHI were significantly worse for those working in private practice alone, in consortia, and for those members working as sole practitioners who were consultants of <10 years standing. More than 85% thought that a unified voice would improve relationships with the purchasers of private health care.

Conclusions:

This survey confirms the breadth of private practice amongst UK urologists and demonstrates how they practice privately. It helps identify that they do have concerns regarding their contractual and financial relationships with the PHI.